THE AFL DRAFT - HOW WEAK?

[Whispering_Jack 31,267]

That's what this seems to be suggesting - Draft mailbag: How weak is this year's draft? (even if it has no content at the moment)

If it's true, how do you think it will affect the club's recruiting strategies?

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

That's what this seems to be suggesting - Draft mailbag: How weak is this year's draft? (even if it has no content at the moment)

If it's true, how do you think it will affect the club's recruiting strategies?

exactly why I'm so against trading out our first rounder, unless it's for someone A grade.

[george_on_the_outer 7,855]

I'm thinking a lot will depend upon trade week, and what the Academy clubs will need to be able to select their preferred players.

We saw last year that the club was aggressive with the use of its picks, and the techniques used to get us the likes of Vince, Frost, and Lamumba involved using picks, particularly from traded out players.

I also have utmost faith in Toddy Viney and Jason Taylor to find us the best deal, and to uncover some real talent. The real capability is not picking first rounders, but what you can find further down.

Are we happy with our rookies this year?

Vandenberg is a regular senior player, Harmes becoming that as well, and the remainder are not duds like we seem to have got when BP was running the show. ( made doubly worse because he couldn't pick first rounders either!)

[Barney Rubble 1,576]

I reckon Roosy may get his wish and trade a round 1 pick along with someone with currency to get us an A lister.

[Adam The God 30,644]

exactly why I'm so against trading out our first rounder, unless it's for someone A grade.

Well, I think that'll be the plan, mate. We won't be giving up our first pick for a B grader, HH. It'll go on an A grader.

[whatwhat say what 23,623]

They're saying this year and next year are weak as Vic metro is expected to be light on both years - skews the draft big time.

Given that you can trade future draft picks for the first time ever, I'd expect that it will be a large part of the thinking around what to do.

[KingDingAling 3,758]

Outside of the first round, apparently it is a very shallow draft.

Even the first round is only fair.

[Earl Hood 6,152]

Where has all the talent gone?

[BAMF 4,463]

The article WJ linked above isnt working for me.

Knightmare on bigfooty recently said this when asked about the draft depth.

The top end is about what it is most years, just with more key position options than usual.

The first round will be good, and the second round will also feature a number who go on to make the grade.

Just after those first 25-30, this draft fizzles out, with the depth more the problem.

I generally don't say pick 1 or 2 is all that different to pick 10 or around that point. But this year with Schache and Weitering. They feel more like the clear top guys this year, and better than those next ones, with their games so complete and advanced for their ages which makes them both so special at that early point.
Whereas generally, those top two picks aren't the best overall. It's harder to make a case otherwise this year assuming correct development and Schache and Weitering both stay healthy.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,071]

The article WJ linked above isnt working for me.

Knightmare on bigfooty recently said this when asked about the draft depth.

So Knightmare is saying Schache and Weitering are the top two choices. Reminds me of the days of Reiwoldt and Koschitzke. Sounds more like a comment on the Bundesliga to me.

[Roger Mellie 4,179]

It's been mentioned that clubs may only take two picks in the draft, plus rookies.

To me it means, for the MFC, there won't be the list turnover of recent years.

More like, a couple of draft picks and as many trades as possible, FA and DFA pick-ups.

So we might only turnover 6 or so players, then offer some of the fringe players/depth an extra year.

So,

Add to the list

Trade first pick (to lets say Bris or GWS for Aish or Treloar - dreamin')

Take 2nd round pick (Pounce on Weidemann who has slipped to our second rounder)

Trade for Howe (Tomlinson from GWS for example, although I think Howe will refuse to go to GWS)

Trade for another player possibly (Dawes for a Brisbane/GCS player, unlikely)

Pick up a Free agent/Delisted free agent (Dangerfield of course)

Rookie Upgrade(s) (Van Demon and Harmes)

Also father/son Lovett rookie?

6 or 7 Players

Taken from the List

Delist 4 players (e.g.. McKenzie, Bail....)

Delist or upgrade rookies (likely upgrade Van Demon, maybe Harmes)

Relegate one or two Primary List to the Rookie list (e.g. Hunt, Jones) - Cancels out above)

Trade out 1 or 2 (Dawes to Vegas would be nice)

Lose a FA? (Garland, hope not)

Cross retire?

6 or 7

Not quite the 11 or 12 players from recent years

I think we'll try and generate more trades/swaps, particularly if future picks are now on the agenda.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I think its good timing for us, (a supposedly shallow draft) with early picks.

we have potentially some worth trading, & we have a couple of early picks. just enough for 2 kids, & hopefully some matures.. maybe 6 changes?

maybe a rookie year, for some with under developed talents?