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2024 Phantom Drafts



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7 hours ago, Ted Lasso said:

I've landed on my top 3 in order of preference 

1. Finn O'Sullivan (Will be gone)

2. Harvey Langford (Gun, probably will be gone 

3. Jagga Smith (either goes pick 1, or likely slips through)

I'm sitting with:

1. Jagga Smith - the next Butters and the perfect complement to Clarry, Trac and Viney.

2. Harvey Langford - good accumulator, great mark and kick.

3. Sam Lalor - Bit worried about his hammies.

15-20. Cooper Hynes - got Chad Warner speed and power from the contest, and can get it done in the forward half.

Edited by Adam The God
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32 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

I'm sitting with:

1. Jagga Smith - the next Butters and the perfect the complement to Clarry, Trac and Viney.

2. Harvey Langford - good accumulator and great mark and kick.

3. Sam Lalor - Bit worried about his hammies.

15-20. Cooper Hynes - got Chad Warner speed and power from the contest, and can get it done in the forward half.

Curious as to why no O'Sullivan? I think he's the most talented player in this draft and has the highest skill and quick footwork we need as an outside mid.

Lalor is very tempting but won't have much impact in his first season (or two maybe). As he mentioned in a recent interview he hasn't had much pre seasons of late because he plays high grade cricket. He mentioned coming into this years season underdone. I think it will take a few pre seasons for him to build a proper AFL level of fitness and conditioning to perform at the level.

FWIW my order of preference:

1. O'Sullivan - Shades of Heeney with how complete his all round game is. His ability to get out of traffic is elite

2. Jagga - Definitely has that forward run out of stoppages like Butters. He has super strong hips like a Daicos too

3. Draper - Although I think he'll get snapped up by Adelaide or WC I think he is the exact player we need with his skill and pure speed as a midfielder. He's a jet. I think he's the most like Warner in this draft.

4. Langford - I'm not sure where he will fit in to this current team but long term a solid choice as a midfield workhorse that could develop into a Dawson/Cripps type mid with his size.

Edited by Young Blood
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9 minutes ago, Young Blood said:

Curious as to why no O'Sullivan? I think he's the most talented player in this draft and has the highest skill and quick footwork we need as an outside mid.

Lalor is very tempting but won't have much impact in his first season (or two maybe). As he mentioned in a recent interview he hasn't had much pre seasons of late because he plays high grade cricket. He mentioned coming into this years season underdone. I think it will take a few pre seasons for him to build a proper AFL level of fitness and conditioning to perform at the level.

FWIW my order of preference:

1. O'Sullivan - Shades of Heeney with how complete his all round game is. His ability to get out of traffic is elite

2. Jagga - Definitely has that forward run out of stoppages like Butters. He has super strong hips like a Daicos too

3. Draper - Although I think he'll get snapped up by Adelaide or WC I think he is the exact player we need with his skill and pure speed as a midfielder. He's a jet. I think he's the most like Warner in this draft.

4. Langford - I'm not sure where he will fit in to this current team but long term a solid choice as a midfield workhorse that could develop into a Dawson/Cripps type mid with his size.

Just doesn't do it for me. Low production, no real elite traits that I can see, not sure what his x factor is.

Moves a bit like Trac, but has little hurt factor.

Edited by Adam The God
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9 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

Just doesn't do it for me. Low production, no real elite traits that I can see, not sure what his x factor is.

Fair enough.

Physically I see O'Sullivan with elite agility. He has the Kozzy like bounce/footwork and quick lateral movement and burst to get himself free. Long legs with long strides with a booming kick, covers a lot of ground. Makes good decisions and doesn't waste many possessions. 

He's more of an outside mid/wing at this stage but I think he could develop his inside game over time. Which is why he'd be perfect for us fit-wise at the moment.

I will agree with you that he has had an up and down year being in and out with injuries without a clear run. I watched him play a few games including VFL for Richmond where he really held his own and showed some of the pure talent.

This kid oozes talent and has the highest upside in the whole draft. I would be thrilled if he dropped to us. He's like a Josh Kelly with more speed and agility. 

He's listed at 182cm but I reckon that's an old measurement. I'd say he's closer to 184-185cm now.

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1 hour ago, Young Blood said:

Fair enough.

Physically I see O'Sullivan with elite agility. He has the Kozzy like bounce/footwork and quick lateral movement and burst to get himself free. Long legs with long strides with a booming kick, covers a lot of ground. Makes good decisions and doesn't waste many possessions. 

He's more of an outside mid/wing at this stage but I think he could develop his inside game over time. Which is why he'd be perfect for us fit-wise at the moment.

I will agree with you that he has had an up and down year being in and out with injuries without a clear run. I watched him play a few games including VFL for Richmond where he really held his own and showed some of the pure talent.

This kid oozes talent and has the highest upside in the whole draft. I would be thrilled if he dropped to us. He's like a Josh Kelly with more speed and agility. 

He's listed at 182cm but I reckon that's an old measurement. I'd say he's closer to 184-185cm now.

I don't see it, but we all see it differently. 

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5 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

What can Reid do that Smith can't? 

Well for one thing, unlike Smith he'll be available at pick 5 most likely.

But I don't rate Reid at all for us at pick 5. I think he will slide to the teens. Lacks pace, agility and contest. He could develop to a Pendles type outside mid who relies on his timing and skills. But I just don't see it. His possessions aren't damaging and doesn't get separation from opponents. At best he'll be a handy flanker.

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3 hours ago, Adam The God said:

I'm sitting with:

1. Jagga Smith - the next Butters and the perfect complement to Clarry, Trac and Viney.

2. Harvey Langford - good accumulator, great mark and kick.

3. Sam Lalor - Bit worried about his hammies.

15-20. Cooper Hynes - got Chad Warner speed and power from the contest, and can get it done in the forward half.

I’ve got Smith at 1, followed by Draper and Langford. I do like you have Nathan Freeman concerns regarding Lalors hammies 

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Early days yet and sure whispers will stay filtering through about which clubs like who. But this is a genuinely fascinating draft in how even the first round appears to be. I  wouldn't be surprised if some names really elevate themselves into the top 10 or even top 5 that haven't been discussed too much.

Armstrong is the one to watch I reckon, could easily see him go top 3.

When the trade period is done I'll attempt to do a phantom.

Edited by Nascent
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12 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

I’ve got Smith at 1, followed by Draper and Langford. I do like you have Nathan Freeman concerns regarding Lalors hammies 

I like Draper, I just unfairly don't consider him as he's a South Aussie, so let's go for the Victorian kid. That's my thinking anyway.

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So I've now watched more videos.

And basing an opinion just on a few videos means I'm not qualified to have an opinion.

Murphy Reid will be the best midfielder from this draft.  And if it's not him it will be Lalor.  Hmastrings permitting.

We should be in a position to get one of them.

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2 hours ago, Nascent said:

Early days yet and sure whispers will stay filtering through about which clubs like who. But this is a genuinely fascinating draft in how even the first round appears to be. I  wouldn't be surprised if some names really elevate themselves into the top 10 or even top 5 that haven't been discussed too much.

Armstrong is the one to watch I reckon, could easily see him go top 3.

When the trade period is done I'll attempt to do a phantom.

Yeah, I could see us drafting Armstrong, to go along side JVR. If he gets taken before us, that’s another mid to choose from.

Edited by 2021
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Everyone seems in agreement that’s there’s no obvious number 1 or 2 or : … etc etc. up to about 10.   Smith, O’Sullivan, Draper, Langford, Lalor, Reid.  All are super talented in my view.  All could be AFL stars.  All could be number 1 really.  They have excellent qualities.  Are they perfect? No.  Do they still need development? All youngsters do.  Rare to find a Harley Reid or Nick Daicos.    

(Footnote…Levi Ashcroft will be an absolute star.  As good as his brother). 

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1 hour ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Everyone seems in agreement that’s there’s no obvious number 1 or 2 or : … etc etc. up to about 10.   Smith, O’Sullivan, Draper, Langford, Lalor, Reid.  All are super talented in my view.  All could be AFL stars.  All could be number 1 really.  They have excellent qualities.  Are they perfect? No.  Do they still need development? All youngsters do.  Rare to find a Harley Reid or Nick Daicos.    

(Footnote…Levi Ashcroft will be an absolute star.  As good as his brother). 

I think Ashcroft is clearly the best in the draft, but unlikely to get a bid first.

Although, if I was Richmond I would strongly consider it - you make Brisbane pay full price in terms of points

And the player you select doesnt carry the "number 1 draft pick" label, with all the expectations that come with that.

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12 minutes ago, Lord Neville X Flash said:

I think Ashcroft is clearly the best in the draft, but unlikely to get a bid first.

Although, if I was Richmond I would strongly consider it - you make Brisbane pay full price in terms of points

And the player you select doesnt carry the "number 1 draft pick" label, with all the expectations that come with that.

If Ashcroft didn't have the father son tag attached to him he'd be the best player in the draft by a country mile.

He's right on Nick Daicos level in terms of his insane midfield number and star factor.

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11 hours ago, Young Blood said:

Well for one thing, unlike Smith he'll be available at pick 5 most likely.

But I don't rate Reid at all for us at pick 5. I think he will slide to the teens. Lacks pace, agility and contest. He could develop to a Pendles type outside mid who relies on his timing and skills. But I just don't see it. His possessions aren't damaging and doesn't get separation from opponents. At best he'll be a handy flanker.

The thing that I do really like about Reid is he's quick up top and someone who sees how the game can develop 2 or 3 possessions after his own. I see him as more of a 'play starter' than play maker. Instead of making that bullet pass into the 50 he can put the guy into space who will make that pass. 

Will see though, going to be a very exciting top 5. 

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10 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

If Ashcroft didn't have the father son tag attached to him he'd be the best player in the draft by a country mile.

He's right on Nick Daicos level in terms of his insane midfield number and star factor.

His resume is insane:

- 4 years of APS First Football (2 flags)

- 3 years of NAB/Coates Football (Probably 3 flags)

- Played one game of VFL, 35 touches and a goal

 

And he is super young for his year, still 17 - born in December. He is 11 months younger than Jagga for example. Which, as a teenager, is significant

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13 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I wouldn't have O'Sullivan in my top 5 at all.

Agree with you re Levi Ashcroft being clear number 1.  Elite midfielder.  Lions are very lucky “again” with father son picks.  
 

what’s the knock on O’Sullivan? He’s had a few niggling injuries this year so hasn’t shown his very best.  But he has elite skills as a mid, is versatile, excellent evasive ability in packs, good build at 184cms.  Can kick goals.  His style of play is like LDU.  IF he’s available at our pick “5”, he would have to be taken.  

 

Edited by spirit of norm smith
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8 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Agree with you re Levi Ashcroft being clear number 1.  Elite midfielder.  Lions are very lucky “again” with father son picks.  
 

what’s the knock on O’Sullivan? He’s had a few niggling injuries this year so hasn’t shown his very best.  But he has elite skills as a mid, is versatile, excellent evasive ability in packs, good build at 184cms.  Can kick goals.  His style of play is like LDU.  IF he’s available at our pick “5”, he would have to be taken.  

Watching recent highlights, he doesn't look like hes been playing well. 

Not professing to know much about him or his fitness, but didn't look to be able to break away from stoppages or break tackles like a number 1 draft mid. Also coughed the ball up a couple of times in the game I was watching. But again, very small sample size.

Stats say he averaged 11.5 disposals for Vic Country this year, not sure if he played full game time. Last season avg'd 16 touches. Compared to Ashcroft avg 25.5 disposals and a goal for Vic Metro this year

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@Lord Neville X Flash yes tough to compare to Ashcroft.  O’Sullivan has had injury interrupted year so perhaps agility not at 100%. His VFL game shows a little more of what talent he has, with decision making, composure and skills and goalkicking   His 2023 form (free of injury) as an underage player was as good as top 5 last year   

 

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All I know about any potential draftees is from what I read on here plus on the AFL website. 
How good are these mids? When did we last have a key fwd that could take a contested mark and kick them from outside 50? Neitz?

Edited by Bombay Airconditioning
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5 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

All I know about any potential draftees is from what I read on here plus on the AFL website. 
How good are these mids? When did we last have a key fwd that could take a contested mark and kick them from outside 50? Neitz?

Answers

- Very good

- Jesse Hogan

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