AFL National Draft 2014 Pick 40

[Whispering_Jack 27,935]

The speculation about draft selections is always interesting at this time of year. Last year, our first pick was number 9 which generated plenty of discussion. Our second selection then was number 40 which this year is our third pick. We took Jay Kennedy-Harris with 40 in 2013.

Previously, Luke Parker of the Swans was taken with the selection so we know you can pick up talent in this region and I did this exercise last year of looking at the more recognised phantom draft aficionados to see if we could generate a bit of love for pick 40.

This year, pick 40 is elevated a little by the fact that there are a few more father-son and academy selections ahead of it meaning less choices leading up to the selection and because pick 38 is an academy selection, I've chosen 37 and 39-41 and 43 in the selected range. We are taking Billy Stretch with pick 42.

First cab off the rank is Knightmare;-

Knightmare

37. Brayden Maynard (VIC Util)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 20/09/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Range: 20-rookie

Profile: Strong, contested ball winner.

39. Jack Cripps (WA KPF/Ruck)

Height: 198cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 20/01/1996

Recruited from: East Fremantle

Range: 20-60

Profile: High production key forward who can play some relief ruck.

40. Touk Miller (VIC Mid/Fwd)

Height: 177cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 22/02/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Range: 20-rookie

Profile: Powerful inside midfielder.

41. Daniel Capiron (VIC Def/Mid)

Height: 189cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 14/06/1996

Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays

Range: 20-rookie

Profile: Versatile kicker.

43 Keenan Ramsey (SA Def)

Height: 192cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 23/08/1996

Recruited from: Port Adelaide

Range: 35-rookie

Profile: Tall rebounding defender.

I believe there's more detail to come from Knightmare and I will post these later.

Touk Miller is a tough little customer who gets a lot of the footy but he's naturall not the elite A grade midfielder we might get with # 2 or 3.

[Pennant St Dee 11,250]

The speculation about draft selections is always interesting at this time of year. Last year, our first pick was number 9 which generated plenty of discussion. Our second selection then was number 40 which this year is our third pick. We took Jay Kennedy-Harris with 40 in 2013.

Previously, Luke Parker of the Swans was taken with the selection so we know you can pick up talent in this region and I did this exercise last year of looking at the more recognised phantom draft aficionados to see if we could generate a bit of love for pick 40.

This year, pick 40 is elevated a little by the fact that there are a few more father-son and academy selections ahead of it meaning less choices leading up to the selection and because pick 38 is an academy selection, I've chosen 37 and 39-41 and 43 in the selected range. We are taking Billy Stretch with pick 42.

First cab off the rank is Knightmare;-

I believe there's more detail to come from Knightmare and I will post these later.

Touk Miller is a tough little customer who gets a lot of the footy but he's naturall not the elite A grade midfielder we might get with # 2 or 3.

Touk Miller he actually caught my eye somewhat in the WA vs Vic Metro game in the U/18's earlier this year

Attended the game today and from start to finish Vic Metro were clear and away the better side, really good inside with clean hands and always had a loose man outside who once with ball in hand broke away easily and the delivery inside 50 was very good. Vic Metro could have won by 100+ had they kicked straighter. I went today keen to see Angus Brayshaw through the middle and whilst he was good and really looks to have a good tank and work ethic but there were others who stood out namely Christian Patrecca found plenty of the ball and his tackling was ferocious and he looks a good size and would step into AFL without any issues in size, Touk Miller looked good and was constantly putting pressure on WA defenders who had no answer to his tackling and his ball use was good and he was very good in congestion. Cavka I know nothing about but along with Petracca was one of the standouts, he caught my eye with his workrate and his willingness to run hard after feeding off the ball to provide an option. Number 6 for Vic Metro Ahern was very good with his run through the middle and showed a strong ability to break the lines. WRIGHT is some size and a very good kick for a young guy that big, whilst he didn't star he showed enough to suggest he will go high in the draft. A few glimpses of being good below his knees which will rate highly as a KPT and his positional sense and awareness of when to go to a contest and when to hang out the back is something someone so young usually needs to be taught.

WA were really bad mostly across the field and bombed the ball into their forward 50 on numerous occasions despite Vic Metro's 2 big defenders Langford and Vickers-Ellis dominating their defensive 50, these two boys were very impressive. Mark young Waterman down as a monty to go to Meth Coast, his decision making is excellent and he uses the ball extremely well and he just knows how to read the play and finds space easily. The knock on Waterman is his pace lets be honest he has none otherwise he would be top 5 but still going to be a very good player and I don't see why they wouldn't take him. Clem Smith was undisciplined and gave away two silly 50m but was hard at every contest and laid some good solid body hits, one of which left one of Vic Metro's boys a little shaken up for a few minutes. Smith's ball use is good and he will stand out at the next level with players who know where to run and lead. Jared Hardisty from Claremont was very busy throughout and showed some very clean hands and accumulated plenty of the footy. Not sure at around 5ft 9 that he will go in the first 3 rounds but worth a late pick or rookie as his workrate and ability to find the ball were impressive. Jarred Pickett showed about 2 minutes of highlights and bursts of pace but my god he doesn't work hard and does not put in the effort to get pressure/body or a tackle on an opponent or get to a contest that is not to far away from him. I would imagine he will talked of highly by many because you would be able to put together a nice highlight reel for him but for me really needs to work harder.

So for me if I was picking on today

Petracca - big bodied mid excellent disposal hard at the ball and makes tackles count

Wright - the glimpses were enough and I can see the ability to just impose himself

Braywhaw - very good 1st quarter went out for a bit in the middle but finished strongly and has a fantastic tank

Cavka - worked hard didn't just admire some good work went again to get another kick or provide an option

Waterman - just a quality footballer and if he had pace would be an absolute star

Ahern - line breaking pace and shows a lot of ability to cause problems breaking from clearances

Smith - is developing into a Byron Pickett clone and loves to hit hard

Langford - controlled the defensive 50 and plenty of sides need tall defenders

Miller - really good decision maker and applies some good pressure inside 50

Hardisty - accumulated plenty of the footy showed the required workrate their will be doubters on his size

[Roger Mellie 3,485]

I would love Maynard to be there. Has been rated in the 20's in some mock drafts and FWIW his father played for Melb (and Fitzroy?)

The kid barracks for Melbourne to boot.

Pick 20: Greater Western Sydney – Brayden Maynard

Position: Forward
Height: 186cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 20/09/1996
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 20-30
Player comparison: Ryan O’Keefe

Brayden Maynard is a slick utility type that does his best work off the packs with an ability to kick on either side of his body. The hard-nosed, balanced midfielder is somebody that is targeted by opposition teams to shut down, given his ability to quickly set up play and importantly stream forward to goal. He’s been utilised in an array of positions: however, he ultimately looms more of a forward type. However, with increased endurance and fitness, he has the potential to make the move into the midfield, whether permanently or as a rotation. Aside from his brilliant goal kicking, Maynard is an aerial specialist with strong hands in a contest, who also marks strongly around the ground. Although he isn’t a polished kick of the ball (operating at just 60 per cent disposal efficiency), he has a terrific base to work with, allowing a club to mould him into any type of role. He has been impressive so far during the Dragons’ finals campaign, featuring in the best on both occasions.

Paige Cardona's

[The Great One 99 125]

I don't know how to put up links and stuff, but I don't mind Liam Dawson. Qld lad. Looks like a tougher version of Watts.

[Whispering_Jack 27,935]

This is from Luke McAlister's Phantom Draft

I think it might have been first issued around the time when some of the FA compensations were going through so I made some minor adjustments:-

Luke McAlister

37. Josh Glenn (SA, smooth yet tough utility)

180 cm, 78 kg, 10/3/94

Range: 25-50

Style: Luke Hodge

Glenn decided not to nominate for the draft last year however I wouldnt read much into that he doesnt have doubts and doesnt lack commitment, he just didnt want to jump from amateur football to AFL in the space of 18 months. A versatile player, Glenns best work comes off half back or through the middle. Defensively hes very solid with his attack and determination really good. He doesnt let his opponent get on top and goes hard at it. With ball in hand he runs and carries really well with his kicking exceptional with it being both efficient and penetrating. Through the middle hes still an exceptional user of the football but hes also tough enough to really attack and win his own ball. He just does everything right and hes someone I can see becoming a real high level AFL footballer. I guess a good way to describe him is that hes like those inside midfielders that find a home at halfback the Vlastuin type except hes also an exceptional kick and outside option too.

39. Jaden McGrath (Vic Country, Classy midfielder/forward)

179 cm, 73 kg, 15/6/96

Range: 30-rookie

A really creative midfielder who can play off a forward flank, McGrath is likely to slide due to his terribly injury effected year. He possesses that really nice speed and endurance combination that allows him to have an impact on the outside and cover the ground well. Despite his rangy frame and small stature, his inside game is still reasonable with a natural read for the tap and fearless mentatility allowing him to win his own ball. With ball in hand hes a composed and creative type. In the right system he really could be a component of a successful 22.

40. Jackson Nelson (Vic Country, hard nosed midfielder/defender)

187 cm, 80 kg, 15/3/96

Range: Top 40

Style: James Kelly

Comparison: Nick Vlastuin

Jackson Nelson is one of those players who doesnt really grab your attention when watching. Hes a low flash kind of player but does all the right things. As a result hes kind of slipped under the radar a bit. Having a quiet game in round five of the championships and being concussed in the second quarter of round six in the televised championships games mightnt have helped, to be fair. Nelson is able to play through the middle or off half back and he plays both to a high standard. Hes got a nice height and really nice frame which helps him win his own ball but hes also a really handy user of the ball with both feet on the outside with and decision making and vision are nice.

Athletically hes not elite but hes still quick and agile with his lateral movement a highlight. Down back hes able to play an accountable brand of football while also having the confidence to zone off if needed. While his kicking isnt elite it holds up in traffic and under pressure and as such hes a very capable user under any circumstance off the back flank. Hes already got a fairly mature body and with a wide frame he can likely develop further and really become a physically imposing type. A low flash but high substance and someone you can bank on to work hard and perform an honest role at AFL level wherever that be and become a staple of a 22, the kind of player a coach loves. He projects as a less skilled version of Nick Vlastuin.

41. Keenan Ramsay (SA, skilled key position utility)

193 cm, 86 kg, 23/8/96

Range: 40-rookie

Comparison: Alipate Carlile

Keenan Ramsay is a bit of a Brenton Phillips special. Played as a forward for most of his career, Ramsay was made the number one defender for South Australia in the championships and did it really well. While he only has one working eye, it isnt noticeable on the field. In defence he reads the play well and zones off at the right times, while by foot hes very reliable. He works really hard on the field too, always making those second efforts and desperate pressure acts others dont. With his ability to swing forward, Ramsay really does loom as an attractive prospect.

43. Toby McLean (Vic Metro, creative and exciting small forward)

179 cm, 70 kg, 31/1/96

Range: 25-60

Comparison: Jamie Elliott

Toby McLean is someone thats stormed onto draft boards through sheer results. As a small forward, he offers a bit of everything and seems like another small forward wholl be available mid to late draft and develop into a real role player at an AFL club. With a tendency to entertain with high leaping marks, hes also got an impressive ground level game with his evasive movement a highlight. He possesses excellent goalsense and core strength and creativity; when hes not scoring goals hes finding ways to create them. Hes able to change games and could conceivably reach a similar peak to Jamie Elliott.

[MadAsHell 4,088]

I'm optimistic that Oscar McDonald may slide through to pick 40.

[whatwhat say what 18,829]

Unlikely that Maynard will be available.

Harrison Wigg would be a fantastic pick up, and he might slide.

[ignition. 1,413]

I'm hoping Nakia Cockatoo slips though, however it's highly unlikely.

I'm swewing we Frost cost us so much with our second round pick, particularily considering the Giants traded O'Rourke for so little.

[Cheap Seats 3,300]

I'm hoping Nakia Cockatoo slips though, however it's highly unlikely.

I'm swewing we Frost cost us so much with our second round pick, particularily considering the Giants traded O'Rourke for so little.

I'll take a ready to go rd 1 2015 CHB anytime over a 18 yo speculative pick (Blease or Strauss based on our history of drafting)

You have a point we flinched first but I am very happy we have him and it's not in STK hands

[Return to Glory 7,690]

I don't know how to put up links and stuff, but I don't mind Liam Dawson. Qld lad. Looks like a tougher version of Watts.

So we can at least expect him to be able to break through the banner.

[Whispering_Jack 27,935]

This from Paige Cardona's most recent phantom draft released yesterday -

Paige Cardona

37. Jack Lonie

Position: Forward

Height: 174 cm, Weight: 67 kg, DOB: 13/08/1996

Club: Dandenong Stingrays

Projected draft range: 30-rookie

Player comparison: Hayden Ballantyne

A lively small forward, Jack Lonie has terrific pace and a stack of x-factor to go along with his ability to bob up with a goal or two in each game that he plays. Lonie was a standout bottom-age player for the Stingrays last year, but has gone to a new level in 2014 with stints through the midfield to aid his development. However, at the Championships, he was played solely as a small forward, who demonstrated an uncanny ability to just make things happen. Along with Lonies ingenuity around goal and his ability to set up others, his defensive pressure rates among the best for small forwards. He chases, corrals, attacks and dives at the ball whilst always sticking a strong tackle. Hes often found wanting in terms of his marking, but the basis of his trade is crumbing at packs and his defensive pressure inside 50. Hes got some tricks, and although a lack of composure can sometimes evade him, he has enough to work with to make a fist of an AFL career.

39. Harrison Wigg

Position: Defender/midfielder

Height: 179 cm, Weight: 74 kg, DOB: 14/10/1996

Recruited from: North Adelaide

Projected draft range: 20-60

Plays like: Ben McGlynn

Dubbed the best kick of the draft, Wigg is a small defender/midfielder with some classy, ball-magnet attributes that could see him either bolt or drift in November. Wigg who averaged 18.6 disposals (at an efficiency of 79 per cent), 3.3 marks, 2.3 tackles, 1.3 clearances and two inside 50s in his six games took home not only South Australias MVP, but also All-Australian honours. Despite playing in defence during the carnival, Wigg plays as a ball-winning midfielder at North Adelaide, averaging 28 disposals at 77 per cent disposal efficiency, including 7.2 marks, 2.5 tackles, five clearances, 6.2 inside 50s and 1.7 rebound 50s per game at Colts level. Whilst size and speed may not be on his side, his best assets lay in his high-production numbers, strong decision making, vision and disposal. He may bolt or drift depending on how clubs view him when it comes to his scope for development. Wigg has the potential to become a handy small, rebounding defender at the next level.

40. Jordan Cunico

Position: Defender/midfielder

Height 184 cm, Weight: 72 kg, DOB: 07/05/1996

Club: Gippsland Power

Projected draft range: 20-40

Plays like: Paul Seedsman

Dubbed the running man by TAC Cup Radio, Jordan Cunico is as the name suggests a running machine. Despite his light frame, he loves nothing more than getting on his bike for a three bounce escapade on a wing before sending a long, raking kick forward inside 50. His pace offers run and drive and is his standout feature, whilst his decision making and sense of time and space really allow him to play his natural game. Cunico is a good marker, but due to his size can be out-muscled and sometimes knocked off the ball: however, he more than cracks in to lay strong tackles with his relentless pressure. He kicks goals, has shown scope to play off half back and looks like a next-level winger who could really link up with Billy Stretch as Melbournes newest and damaging wingman.

41. Keenan Ramsay

Position: Key defender/forward

Height: 193 cm, Weight: 86 kg, DOB:

Club: Port Adelaide

Projected draft range: 40-rookie

Plays like: Lachie Henderson

Brenton Phillips move to make Keenan Ramsey South Australias number one key defender proved to be a masterstroke. After a move that created the unlikeliest of heroes, Ramsey can find himself very stiff to be overlooked as the All-Australian full back after a flawless championships. Most would know Ramseys back story by now: retinal cancer at the age of two meant that his eye was removed and such he has a glass eye, but that hasnt stopped him. Ramsey may lack peripheral vision, but if anything it makes him move his head more, opening up greater options and angles. Its all Ramsey knows, which is why it seemingly hasnt had an ounce of an effect on his football to date. Ramsey started up forward during his junior football at Port and last year kicked 16 goals from 11 games: however, a switch into defence unearthed a skill set that makes him Ramsay ever so valuable to a league side. In particular, Ramseys spoiling, his strength to kill a contest and an ability to make his opponent accountable has seen him develop into a real prospect. His defensive attributes are quite strong, given that he tackles well and isnt a stranger for getting into a scrap. Hes a great mark, reading the ball well in flight and protecting the drop zone. Hes better suited at playing at centre half forward or back, mostly because he has foot skills that are good enough to find a team-mate further afield. He certainly could fill out further, and when he does his current skill set is only going to be enhanced. He does have a limited ceiling because he doesnt possess huge closing speed, a massive leap or elite athleticism, but his goal kicking at the combine returned a perfect score.

43. Matthew Goodyear

Position: Midfielder

Height: 185 cm, Weight: 77 kg, DOB: 20/07/1996

Club: Calder Cannons

Projected Draft Range: 40-late

Plays like:

Matt Goodyear has been a consistent performer for the Cannons, and a player who has gotten better as the season has progressed. The now balanced midfielder was awarded a Vic Metro jumper, playing three games, while finishing the TAC Cup season averaging 25 disposals from 14 games. Goodyear is a ball winner but his disposal needs improvement. His kicking can be errant and whilst he has super clean hands, his kick to handball ratio favours the former rather than the latter. While averaging 2.6 marks per game, his bread and butter is the defensive side of his game, with his tackling among the best. In that particular statistic, Goodyear averages a touch under four tackles per game. One thing Goodyear has on his side is that he is blessed with speed. He is explosive and constantly breaks lines and it is an area of his game which hes beginning to fine-tune, bringing about some composure to take a few settling steps before hitting the ball. Internally rated by those at the Cannons, Goodyear wouldve played more than just eight games last year as a bottom-ager had it not been for a foot injury. Despite being more of an outside player, Goodyear doesnt shy away from winning his own ball and his contested numbers have increased significantly from 2013, winning 50 per cent of Calders contested ball this year alone.

Goodyear's name also came up in Knightmare's phantom draft at a much lower selection.

[ignition. 1,413]

I'm hoping Nakia Cockatoo slips though, however it's highly unlikely.

I'm swewing we Frost cost us so much with our second round pick, particularily considering the Giants traded O'Rourke for so little.

I'll take a ready to go rd 1 2015 CHB anytime over a 18 yo speculative pick (Blease or Strauss based on our history of drafting)

You have a point we flinched first but I am very happy we have him and it's not in STK hands

I'm not disagreeing with you. Frost has a very important role to play which is essential.

I'm only swewing we had to use our early second round pick on him and had nothing else in the hand to deal with instead.

[dee-luded 2,958]

I don't know how to put up links and stuff, but I don't mind Liam Dawson. Qld lad. Looks like a tougher version of Watts.

copy & paste into your reply

[Deeman 1,399]

I don't know how to put up links and stuff, but I don't mind Liam Dawson. Qld lad. Looks like a tougher version of Watts.

I'm taking a wild stab here and predicting that Brisbane will take him at pick 44.

[Demon Disciple 10,916]

If he's available, Touk Miller would be a great get, then get his height deprived companion Caleb Daniel at pick 55.

Gotta give the small fellas some love (maybe i'm biased, being 170cm myself)

[defuture15 837]

We need a Goodyear!

[dee-luded 2,958]

We need a Goodyear!

aren't there any Mitchellin's in there?

we need Pilots all round

[Whispering_Jack 27,935]

I'm taking a wild stab here and predicting that Brisbane will take him at pick 44.

Seeing they've committed to taking him at that pick under the academy bidding rules, there's a fair chance.

[The Great One 99 125]

Seeing they've committed to taking him at that pick under the academy bidding rules, there's a fair chance.

I seen that after a bit more research. doh.

[KingDingAling 3,592]

Touk Miller is a good footballer, has a bit of Parker/Sloane about him - albeit a lesser version atm.

But if any player shares the comparison of 'no frills' footballer, then it is Miller.

The guy I am keen on at 40 or 53 is Lucas Webb.

I'm a massive wrap for this kid.

[rjay 23,883]

I'm still hoping my man Gore makes it to pick 40 and we take him.

[dazzledavey36 48,685]

Touk Miller is a good footballer, has a bit of Parker/Sloane about him - albeit a lesser version atm.

But if any player shares the comparison of 'no frills' footballer, then it is Miller.

The guy I am keen on at 40 or 53 is Lucas Webb.

I'm a massive wrap for this kid.

Me too the guy has some serious class and probably bit shocked he potentially could slip to pick 40.

[Moonshadow 16,151]

This from Paige Cardona's most recent phantom draft released yesterday -

Goodyear's name also came up in Knightmare's phantom draft at a much lower selection.

Wigg sounds good from that description. Ball winning mid with the best kick in the draft. Hmmmmmmm!

[Bitter but optimistic 21,182]

Perhaps a renewal of the "Wigg (sic) Supremacy"?

[Moonshadow 16,151]

Perhaps a renewal of the "Wigg (sic) Supremacy"?

As long as he's not a Tory.