There's a bit of speculation that Dunkley would prefer to remain in Melbourne (as opposed to tying himself to Sydney). I suspect he'll gauge the interest before making a final decision on whether to nominate or go into the draft.

Dunkley's moved to Melbourne (from country Vic) to gain easier access to treatment for his back.

As far as those other academy selections are concerned, I don't think any of them will be passed over by the Northern clubs.

Interesting thing for GWS will be where they are placed for selections next year, as there are a couple of kids coming through the academy next that look very good. Macreadie already looks a jet.

I bet a lot of people are salivating at the prospect of Jack Watson. Is it possible that this is actually us hoping to slip our own Jack through the draft again just so he doesn't have to have the no1 tag on him anymore?

Next year, Jack Watsonov, originally from Ukraine.

No relation, but in 2018 Jack Watsonovic is a prospective international rookie from Croatia.

Another good prospect in the juniors at the moment is Jacob Watsonovichenski. Tall skinny guy; they call him the Bean Pole Pole.

But, more seriously -

I'm stoked that Aaron Francis and Harley Balic are rated about the range of our likely first pick (6ish).

A bit of unpredictability and 'danger' would be welcome addition to our group at the moment.

If as I suspect we have a pick around 5-8 I wouldn't mind us taking Balic, also open to trading down and taking Curnow or Dunkley if he opts out of FS and is available in mid teens. Whilst all the talk of this draft is it is weak in depth think you will find it is one where a few gems get picked late. Jordan Snadden is one who has been highly touted and his ball wining ability is exceptional and he uses it well, only worry with him as I think I covered before is his tank, two way running doesn't seem to be something he does but a few pre-seasons can work on that. I do remember Paddy Cripps struggling to run one way and now look at him

If as I suspect we have a pick around 5-8 I wouldn't mind us taking Balic, also open to trading down and taking Curnow or Dunkley if he opts out of FS and is available in mid teens. Whilst all the talk of this draft is it is weak in depth think you will find it is one where a few gems get picked late. Jordan Snadden is one who has been highly touted and his ball wining ability is exceptional and he uses it well, only worry with him as I think I covered before is his tank, two way running doesn't seem to be something he does but a few pre-seasons can work on that. I do remember Paddy Cripps struggling to run one way and now look at him

Liked what I saw with Snadden. Handy size for an inside mid too.

Looks like Kade Stewart has fallen off the radar a bit. Thought he was reasonable in WA's win against Metro. What are your thoughts on him PSD?

If as I suspect we have a pick around 5-8 I wouldn't mind us taking Balic, also open to trading down and taking Curnow or Dunkley if he opts out of FS and is available in mid teens. Whilst all the talk of this draft is it is weak in depth think you will find it is one where a few gems get picked late. Jordan Snadden is one who has been highly touted and his ball wining ability is exceptional and he uses it well, only worry with him as I think I covered before is his tank, two way running doesn't seem to be something he does but a few pre-seasons can work on that. I do remember Paddy Cripps struggling to run one way and now look at him

Just from his highlights his skills looked way off, did anyone else think that..? I want a hard bodied player who wins the contested ball not the easy outside stuff.

Just from his highlights his skills looked way off, did anyone else think that..? I want a hard bodied player who wins the contested ball not the easy outside stuff.

I would have told you Rhys Mathieson but after watching him play I came away completely underwhelmed.. His disposal and cleanness of the ball needs a fair bit of work.

This years draft is pretty shallow in terms of there isn't a Brayshaw Wines Petracca type big solid inside midfielders.

Francis would probably close to what your after and I would have said Hopper aswell but obviously we can't.. and I haven't seen Dunkley play yet.

I would have told you Rhys Mathieson but after watching him play I came away completely underwhelmed.. His disposal and cleanness of the ball needs a fair bit of work.

This years draft is pretty shallow in terms of there isn't a Brayshaw Wines Petracca type big solid inside midfielders.

Francis would probably close to what your after and I would have said Hopper aswell but obviously we can't.. and I haven't seen Dunkley play yet.

Maybe our first pick might be better used as part of a trade. Thin draft, from all accounts.

Maybe our first pick might be better used as part of a trade. Thin draft, from all accounts.

If its one year where i wouldn't mind have a problem trading away our first pick its this year.

Then again i do like Darcy Parish as our first pick. A package of class and speed that we severely lack in our midfield.

Liked what I saw with Snadden. Handy size for an inside mid too.

Looks like Kade Stewart has fallen off the radar a bit. Thought he was reasonable in WA's win against Metro. What are your thoughts on him PSD?

I actually thought he would climb this year because he is very competative and is a pressure player, constantly going hard at the contested possessions and finds his footy or locks it down when outnumbered by opposition players. He is very hard to read because he hasn't been the standout I expected but still looks hard and clean inside. Not sure if you have seen Hardisty play at Box Hill but very much like him with added polish, will fight tooth and nail for every contest but just doesn't have the x-factor to really push him up high. Will be a solid contributor to whichever team drafts him but don't expect great things from him having said that IMO will be willing to work and will get the best out of himself.

Between him and Clint Hinchcliffe if it's a hard competative ball winning mid from WA, Hinchcliffe has only just this year focused himself fully on footy and IMO has climbed over a few of those who were highly touted last season and leading into this season.

This years draft is pretty shallow in terms of there isn't a Brayshaw Wines Petracca type big solid inside midfielders.

Curnow? Been injured, but definitely has the size.

Here is our drafting since Roos and Jason Taylor arrived at the club. A lot is up in the air of course as its still so early, but it appears hey have done an outstanding job.

Even the kids who haven't played yet are all showing good signs at Casey (King, Harmes, Hunt, White, O Mac.). We can look forward to the draft now with genuine excitement that we have people in place that know what they are doing.

I actually thought he would climb this year because he is very competative and is a pressure player, constantly going hard at the contested possessions and finds his footy or locks it down when outnumbered by opposition players. He is very hard to read because he hasn't been the standout I expected but still looks hard and clean inside. Not sure if you have seen Hardisty play at Box Hill but very much like him with added polish, will fight tooth and nail for every contest but just doesn't have the x-factor to really push him up high. Will be a solid contributor to whichever team drafts him but don't expect great things from him having said that IMO will be willing to work and will get the best out of himself.

Between him and Clint Hinchcliffe if it's a hard competative ball winning mid from WA, Hinchcliffe has only just this year focused himself fully on footy and IMO has climbed over a few of those who were highly touted last season and leading into this season.

Cheers mate.

Haven't seen Hardisty since being drafted, but remember him from his draft year. Very solid inside mid, foot soldier type.

If Stewart falls to that 3rd round sort of stage, he could be very good value there.