we need another tall forward as well as mids, we now are able to rotate Stretch, Garlett, Newton and possible Lumumba through our midfield and we in all likelihood be adding brayshaw to the mix as well. We need to use pick 3 on a tall forward to assist Dawes and Hogan, that still leaves pick 40, 53 and 2 rookie draft positions to go after additional mids if needed. We need to be aware that the rebuild is still going to take a couple more years, so we need to keep an eye on who we will be targeting and who from our team will be targeted in next years draft (Free Agency etc) and the quality and type of players available. by the end of next year we will need to cut another at least another 6-10 players to continue to strengthen our list.

1. Petracca to St Kilda, while they like McCartin, I think they take Petracca as he gives them flexibility to play forward or mid.

2. Brayshaw

3. McCartin

we need another tall forward as well as mids, we now are able to rotate Stretch, Garlett, Newton and possible Lumumba through our midfield and we in all likelihood be adding brayshaw to the mix as well. We need to use pick 3 on a tall forward to assist Dawes and Hogan, that still leaves pick 40, 53 and 2 rookie draft positions to go after additional mids if needed. We need to be aware that the rebuild is still going to take a couple more years, so we need to keep an eye on who we will be targeting and who from our team will be targeted in next years draft (Free Agency etc) and the quality and type of players available. by the end of next year we will need to cut another at least another 6-10 players to continue to strengthen our list.

1. Petracca to St Kilda, while they like McCartin, I think they take Petracca as he gives them flexibility to play forward or mid.

2. Brayshaw

3. McCartin

Dont rate JKH?

The point raised about StKilda having Billings and the similarities in position and role (half forward come mid) and not wanting too many of them as opposed to pure kids or talls I believe is a valid one but I still cannot see them going past Petracca. Also given Reiwoldt has signed on for a further two years means they still have further drafts (with likely high picks) to grab more talls.

I cannot see Melbourne going past McCartin. He is a pure forward who, if developed well are worth their weight in gold and along with Hogan not only sets the club up for the long term down forward but gives them so many more options in their spine over that time. He has different traits to Hogan too so they can and will fit well in the forward line together and provide what I believe to be a great partnership.

It is also easier to unearth quality mids with later and rookie picks than it is quality talls (esp forwards) and again I believe this is another reason they will go tall early.

Brayshaw will also be selected if available for all the traits that have been highlighted an the fact that he is a pure mid first and foremost.

Petracca at 1

McCartin at 2

Brayshaw at 3

Medium sized players/miss with our other selections/rookie picks that have skill sets that we lack on the list, primarily in terms of high level skills and speed. Pick 40 is more like a mid 30's pick given the FS and Academy selections before it and therefore still affords the opportunity to select a very good quality player.

NB- Oscar McDonald is the only spanner in the theory there if he is available at 40. I reckon we will take him if available but otherwise they will be mediums and mids.

I was listening on the way home to SEN and they had Brett Anderson on from Inside Football.

He was asked to compare this year's draft to last year and he said that the top end talent is not as strong as last year but it goes much deeper which suggests we should be able to get a good player at #40.

He was asked who he thought would go to St. Kilda at #1 and whether anything's changed - no, it's still down to three players Petracca, McCartin or (less likely) Brayshaw in that order. He also believes that they've made the decision but aren't saying - thinks the AFL has directed not to let this out to keep up the suspense.

He also mentioned that Pat McKenna, the Australian Under 19 cricket captain who has nominated for the draft has a few clubs interested including Melbourne.

Toby McLean, a small forward, who was best on ground in the TAC Cup U18 Grand Final for premiers Oakleigh Chargers after he was rejected earlier in the season, has firmed and is now expected to be picked in the 30s.

1.Petracca

2.Brayshaw

3.McCartin

I was listening on the way home to SEN and they had Brett Anderson on from Inside Football.

He was asked to compare this year's draft to last year and he said that the top end talent is not as strong as last year but it goes much deeper which suggests we should be able to get a good player at #40.

He was asked who he thought would go to St. Kilda at #1 and whether anything's changed - no, it's still down to three players Petracca, McCartin or (less likely) Brayshaw in that order. He also believes that they've made the decision but aren't saying - thinks the AFL has directed not to let this out to keep up the suspense.

He also mentioned that Pat McKenna, the Australian Under 19 cricket captain who has nominated for the draft has a few clubs interested including Melbourne.

Toby McLean, a small forward, who was best on ground in the TAC Cup U18 Grand Final for premiers Oakleigh Chargers after he was rejected earlier in the season, has firmed and is now expected to be picked in the 30s.

Yes I heard the same interview and I have heard similar comments elsewhere that this draft is not so clear for talent at the pointy end, that real talent could go very deep. Isn't that just freeking typical for any draft where we have multiple early picks? Still let us try to be positive and hope we get this one right for once!