2023 AFL National Draft prospects: The next batch

[whatwhat say what 22,757]

54 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

WAFL Colts GF

Zane Zakostelsky- clear best on ground dominated in the ruck and with his follow up work at ground level. Commentators were a little disengenuous saying he was dominating due to Livingstone being out, but he actually towelled Livingstone up 2 weeks ago in the semi final. Turned over a few kicks and will take time at AFL level 

a wa ruckman with a name like that - superhero initials! - belongs at the dees

[Pennant St Dee 13,173]

1 hour ago, whatwhat say what said:

a wa ruckman with a name like that - superhero initials! - belongs at the dees

Won’t be a ruckman at AFL level will likely be a KPD project player 

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

43 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Won’t be a ruckman at AFL level will likely be a KPD project player 

What's your thoughts on Clay Hall? 

I reckon he's a bit underrated in the draft and he's an 188cm inside mid who's got great ability to go on the outside and provide some run also.

His work rate and running ability is what impressed me and his ability to just explode from stoppages.

[Pennant St Dee 13,173]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

What's your thoughts on Clay Hall? 

I reckon he's a bit underrated in the draft and he's an 188cm inside mid who's got great ability to go on the outside and provide some run also.

His work rate and running ability is what impressed me and his ability to just explode from stoppages.

I like Clay and seen a fair bit of him last season but less this season. Only knock on him I would have is his disposal by foot which can be erratic at times, although now he’s playing against bigger bodies in the seniors and with the role he plays everything he does is under pressure 

[The Great Pretender 463]

As noted above, ZZ at 196 cm won't cut muster as an AFL ruckman so the question is what are his credential as a KPP?

Forward or back?

[Pinball Wizard 315]

4 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:

WAFL Colts GF

Zane Zakostelsky- clear best on ground dominated in the ruck and with his follow up work at ground level. Commentators were a little disengenuous saying he was dominating due to Livingstone being out, but he actually towelled Livingstone up 2 weeks ago in the semi final. Turned over a few kicks and will take time at AFL level 

Dan Curtin - played mostly midfield before dropping back into the backline late in the fourth. Good game without being outstanding. Took some key marks and prominent around the stoppages in the 3rd when Claremont took total control. Copped significant treatment from Perth players at every opportunity throughout the day

Cody Angove - very good early, playing high up the ground and getting involved in transition. Showed how dangerous he is around goal with snap on the run in the second- one to watch next year

Hamish Davis best forward on the ground used his endurance to present all day and to good for Cameron Hall. Kicked 3 and very important in the 4th with his leading patterns and 1v2 wins when Perth were pushing head

Seb Ballard - really solid effort as medium defender. Big bodied player who took several marks and set up rebound from Claremont defensive 50

Kai Dehaviland - strong in and under performance around the stoppages and also some poise with ball in hand when playing forward to set up tea mates

Bailey Banfield - another contested mid who won hardball and was clean with his ball use. Hit Davis with a beautiful kick on the move to set up a goal

Elijah Scoble - Perths best took several intercept marks, hit the contest hard to spoil after leaving his direct opponent. Probably a 3rd tall at next level if drafted but did his chances no harm on Sunday

Aidan O’Driscoll - on fire early kicking the first two goals of the game with the second being one on the run where he showed his explosive pace and skill to kick a snap at full pace. Doesn’t play accountable footy but with that pace, foot skills and ability to impact the scoreboard should get picked up

Jake Watson- found a fair bit of footy as he has all year with his reading of the play. Not as big an impact as normal but was important when Perth threw caution to the wind and he pushed forward more from half back

Oscar Hine-Baston - had his hands full and probably lowered his colours to Angove but showed some glimpses with running handball receives of the line breaking ability he has

How did Sam van Rooyen go?

[dee-tox 4,835]

Had a look at this game. Wasn't really impressed with Curtin. I'm not sure he is a natural midfielder and there wasn't too much of that elite disposal that we've heard about. If anything his kicks are a bit up and under and plenty of loopy handballs. But he moves well, gets in the right place and is a great size.

[Mach5 4,767]

Curtin wasn’t overly impressive from what I saw of him in this game, but that’s not to say he didn’t display tools that could lead to him being a very capable AFL player in time. He’s not there yet though.

[Supreme_Demon 3,851]

Here's a current "top 20" for young players in the 2023 AFL National Draft from 'The Sporting News' website: https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/phantom-draft-2023-first-round-projection-top-20-picks/f7057d7638129eb2395ecbd8

 

[Whispering_Jack 30,140]

The Rookie Me Central Power rankings for September -

AFL Draft Power Rankings: September 2023

 

[Pennant St Dee 13,173]

18 hours ago, Pinball Wizard said:

How did Sam van Rooyen go?

Had a nearly day, took a few marks, brought the footy to ground hitting contest hard but just couldn’t impact the scoreboard. Having said that showed a lot of JVRs good traits with his workrate and second efforts at ground level to have some big score assists/involvements.

That’s what has improved in the business end of the season which won’t go unnoticed by recruiters

[spirit of norm smith 16,459]

Just now, Pennant St Dee said:

Had a nearly day, took a few marks, brought the footy to ground hitting contest hard but just couldn’t impact the scoreboard. Having said that showed a lot of JVRs good traits with his workrate and second efforts at ground level to have some big score assists/involvements.

That’s what has improved in the business end of the season which won’t go unnoticed by recruiters

Thanks PSD. Yes he seemed in the national championships to need more “grippo” on his hands to really clunk his marking. Agree with workrate.  Worthy imv of a rookie pick if we have one available.  

[GrayNels 7]

On 9/26/2023 at 9:34 AM, Pennant St Dee said:

WAFL Colts GF

Zane Zakostelsky- clear best on ground dominated in the ruck and with his follow up work at ground level. Commentators were a little disengenuous saying he was dominating due to Livingstone being out, but he actually towelled Livingstone up 2 weeks ago in the semi final. Turned over a few kicks and will take time at AFL level 

Dan Curtin - played mostly midfield before dropping back into the backline late in the fourth. Good game without being outstanding. Took some key marks and prominent around the stoppages in the 3rd when Claremont took total control. Copped significant treatment from Perth players at every opportunity throughout the day

Cody Angove - very good early, playing high up the ground and getting involved in transition. Showed how dangerous he is around goal with snap on the run in the second- one to watch next year

Hamish Davis best forward on the ground used his endurance to present all day and to good for Cameron Hall. Kicked 3 and very important in the 4th with his leading patterns and 1v2 wins when Perth were pushing head

Seb Ballard - really solid effort as medium defender. Big bodied player who took several marks and set up rebound from Claremont defensive 50

Kai Dehaviland - strong in and under performance around the stoppages and also some poise with ball in hand when playing forward to set up tea mates

Bailey Banfield - another contested mid who won hardball and was clean with his ball use. Hit Davis with a beautiful kick on the move to set up a goal

Elijah Scoble - Perths best took several intercept marks, hit the contest hard to spoil after leaving his direct opponent. Probably a 3rd tall at next level if drafted but did his chances no harm on Sunday

Aidan O’Driscoll - on fire early kicking the first two goals of the game with the second being one on the run where he showed his explosive pace and skill to kick a snap at full pace. Doesn’t play accountable footy but with that pace, foot skills and ability to impact the scoreboard should get picked up

Jake Watson- found a fair bit of footy as he has all year with his reading of the play. Not as big an impact as normal but was important when Perth threw caution to the wind and he pushed forward more from half back

Oscar Hine-Baston - had his hands full and probably lowered his colours to Angove but showed some glimpses with running handball receives of the line breaking ability he has

Ex Sandgroper here. Have seen a few of these boys play over the years- 

Good read on the game.

ZZ - amazing also in that he only started playing AFL seriously 2? years ago. BOG for sure.

Livingstone would have made a difference for Perth though, can kick goals too - considering they kicked 1.5 in the last quarter he would have got them over the line IMO.

I also liked Cachard and Keene for Perth -  both underrated? 

Thought Bailey Banfield was a key playmaker for Claremont. Not sure if he’s on the radar for Father/Son with WCE ?

Hine-Bastion wasn’t on Angove for the 1st half which is why he went to town.

They moved OHB back on him for the second half which is why he didn’t figure at all. They wanted more of an attacking role for OHB.

Jake Watson - had a great day out apart from a muffed 50m penalty that would have been a sure thing. Like this kid.

Claremont dropped some good talent for this game, I’d be watching Hugh Boxshall for next year.

Cooper Moore - underager for Perth definitely on the radar too. Tough nut, has pace and train on for 18s this year.

Davis - dangerous small forward. Underager - more leap and power than you’d think. 

[Pennant St Dee 13,173]

3 hours ago, GrayNels said:

Ex Sandgroper here. Have seen a few of these boys play over the years- 
Good read on the game.

ZZ - amazing also in that he only started playing AFL seriously 2? Years ago. BOG for sure. Livingstone would have made a difference for Perth though, can kick goals too - considering they kicked 1.5 in the last quarter he would have got them over the line IMO.

I also liked Cachard and Keene for Perth -  both underrated? 
Thought Bailey Banfield was a key playmaker for Claremont. Not sure if he’s on the radar for Father/Son with WCE ?

Hine-Bastion wasn’t on Angove for the 1st half which is why he went to town.
They moved OHB back on him for the second half which is why he didn’t figure at all. They wanted more of an attacking role for OHB.

Jake Watson - had a great day out apart from a muffed 50m penalty that would have been a sure thing. Like this kid.

Claremont dropped some good talent for this game, I’d be watching Hugh Boxshall for next year.

Cooper Moore - underager for Perth definitely on the radar too. Tough nut, has pace and train on for 18s this year.

Davis - dangerous small forward. Underager - more leap and power than you’d think. 

ZZ basketball background and cut from Claremont 2022 Colts squad 

Hayes and Angove both small forwards to watch next season

Watson is a smart footballer and can also play across half forward, attracted some interest early 2022 before getting injured. Maybe a club will take a punt this year

Boxshall - plays CHB for Scotch but played CHB and CHF for Claremont this year, hits packs hard and can take a grab. Kicking needs work. Will likely captain Scotch next season 

Cachard showed plenty 2022 on a wing but was still living in the country then and travelling to Perth in short stints

Mitch Keene very underated, good tank , hard at contest and suffered at PSA in 2022 being played as wing , played a few on outside for Perth this year which IMO isn’t his strength 

Moore to me better on the outside with occasional spurts through the middle. Runs really hard and like his decision making and lateral movement 

Banfield really good year at PSA and back half of the WAFL season. Other mids say he’s the strongest inside mid

Davis certainly one to look at 2024

I think Livingston out helped Perth against East Freo in the prelim they were more mobile inside F50 rotating the mids through there and Lee played higher up the ground. Livingston was well  beaten IMO in the Semi Final by Zakostelsky and when forward by Peace/Bizacca

Be interesting to see how things change in WAFL Colts 2024, Scott Moore very good coach his Trinity PSA team in 2022 and Perth team this year both very well drilled but his 06 cattle lacks depth although their futures group this season was handy, so may get games into the younger players. Claremont will lose most of their forward line to state 18s but should make finals. Subi, West Perth and Perl the sides who will climb back up to top end of the ladder

Edited September 27, 2023 by Pennant St Dee

[Pennant St Dee 13,173]

1 hour ago, Pennant St Dee said:

 

Edited September 27, 2023 by Pennant St Dee

[spirit of norm smith 16,459]

Elite ball users? It seems to be the challenge across our team.  Footskills and ability to hit targets or use the corridor are in demand.  In this years draft group, there is likely others but my immediate thinking turns to perhaps this group of 10. 

Harley Reid - yes the number 1.  He spots targets and he hits targets. You want him using the footy  

Colby Mckercher - elite left footer midfielder … enough already said about his talent 

Ryley Sanders - elite right footed midfielder… enough already said about his talent  

Archie Roberts - small/med half back with excellent left foot disposal (very high efficiency) 

Darcy Wilson - highly skilled wingman, very strong on his right or left foot 

Nathan Philactides - small/med half back with excellent left foot disposal; pace also a good asset 

Arie Schoenmaker - tall key defender , left footer with highly efficient disposal and excellent decision making  

Harvey Thomas *GWS academy - small/med half back with excellent left foot disposal 

Angus Hastie - taller half back with excellent decision making and penetrating kick  

Tarkyn O’Leary - showed in Dragons GF his ability to hit targets on left or right foot. This may get him a rookie spot if clubs value the efficiency of his ball use. 

[DeeSpencer 25,711]

15 hours ago, dee-tox said:

Had a look at this game. Wasn't really impressed with Curtin. I'm not sure he is a natural midfielder and there wasn't too much of that elite disposal that we've heard about. If anything his kicks are a bit up and under and plenty of loopy handballs. But he moves well, gets in the right place and is a great size.

To me he looked tired. A lot of disposals that narrowly missed the mark.

The national champs is the real finals for these kids, that’s where you cement a draft range. After that he’s played 6 League games including finals that would’ve taken a big physical toll.

To ask him to go back to the well and dominate a Colts grand final when he’s hardly played in that side for most of the year isn’t easy.

Still looks the closest thing I’ve seen to Bont and a genuine weapon as a midfielder. Plus you’ve got the luxury of developing him on a back flank until he’s physically ready.

[Supreme_Demon 3,851]

10 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Elite ball users? It seems to be the challenge across our team.  Footskills and ability to hit targets or use the corridor are in demand.  In this years draft group, there is likely others but my immediate thinking turns to perhaps this group of 10. 

Harley Reid - yes the number 1.  He spots targets and he hits targets. You want him using the footy  

Colby Mckercher - elite left footer midfielder … enough already said about his talent 

Ryley Sanders - elite right footed midfielder… enough already said about his talent  

Archie Roberts - small/med half back with excellent left foot disposal (very high efficiency) 

Darcy Wilson - highly skilled wingman, very strong on his right or left foot 

Nathan Philactides - small/med half back with excellent left foot disposal; pace also a good asset 

Arie Schoenmaker - tall key defender , left footer with highly efficient disposal and excellent decision making  

Harvey Thomas *GWS academy - small/med half back with excellent left foot disposal 

Angus Hastie - taller half back with excellent decision making and penetrating kick  

Tarkyn O’Leary - showed in Dragons GF his ability to hit targets on left or right foot. This may get him a rookie spot if clubs value the efficiency of his ball use. 

If we can draft two players who are elite kicks from this list I would definitely be over the moon! 😎👍

[whatwhat say what 22,757]

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

The national champs is the real finals for these kids, that’s where you cement a draft range.

tell that to clayton oliver

[spirit of norm smith 16,459]

With the championship now over, here’s some indication of a top 40. 
 

1-10. Harley Reid, Jed Walter (suns academy) , Coby Mckercher, Ryley Sanders, Daniel Curtin, Zane Duursma, Nick Watson, Ethan Read (suns academy), Connor O’Sullivan , Darcy Wilson

11-20 Nate Caddy, Archer Reid, Mitchell Edwards (Freo nga), Jake Rogers (suns academy) , Ollie Murphy, George Stevens, Logan Morris, Caleb Windsor, Nathan Philactides, Riley Hardeman 

21-40. Will McCabe (hawks F/son), Koltyn Tholstrup, Koen Sanchez, Charlie Edwards, Jordan Croft (bulldogs f/son) , Archie Roberts, Joel Freijah, Will Dawson, Harry Demattia, Ashton Moir, Clay Hall, Harvey Johnston, Will Graham (Suns academy) , Jack Delean, Will Lorenz, Angus Hastie, Cooper Simpson, Luamon Luai, Arie Schoenmaker, Michael Rudd.  

others - 40+… Tarkyn O’Leary, Zane Zakostelsky , Will Patton, Caiden Cleary (swans academy), Kade DelaRue, Alex Holt,Jack Callinan, Koby Shipp,  Rye Penny, Billy Wilson, Aiden Odriscoll, Tyson Sruk, Harvey Thomas (giants academy). 

For the Dees, others of interest were:

Kynan Brown as a father son (Nathan Brown) - had a very good year as a mid and half back. Won the under 18 Vic metro mvp.  He might be anywhere from pick 40 to a rookie. He’s a tough skinny scrapper with a huge heart and tenacity.  His skills are ok (left foot dominant) but can have some turnovers under pressure. 

Orlando Turner is from NT under our NGA academy. Whilst he was largely quiet, gf showed glimpses of brilliance and goalkicking smarts to indicate he might be picked to develop as a small forward.  Potential as a Rookie pick. 

Sam Van Rooyen (brother of Jacob) could be rookie pick as well. He’s tall and lean and watching him v Vic metro , had afew “nearly moments” where we spilled marks or juggled attempts. Very nice kick for goal.  Played in WA colts finals and again showed his talent base.  He has the base physique of a key forward and it would be good if the Dees gave him an opportunity.  

[spirit of norm smith 16,459]

and have to put Tew Jiath into the draft mix.  He’s still raw but given his brothers improvement, athleticism and pace, Tew would have to be in the mix.  

[Elwood 3184 1,301]

PM Bangers from bigfooty has us taking Tasmanians McKercher and Leake with our first round picks.

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

35 minutes ago, Elwood 3184 said:

PM Bangers from bigfooty has us taking Tasmanians McKercher and Leake with our first round picks.

That's not even taking into account that North will get the compo pick from McKay which then will most like go towards McKercher. 

[ChaserJ 5,096]

And also pick 4 being traded away from GC.

[Pennant St Dee 13,173]

From Saturday’s AFL Futures 

Scouting Notes: 2023 AFL Under 17 Futures