2024 Phantom Drafts

[spirit of norm smith 16,588]

Not sure if this got posted 

from the Age https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/pick-a-winner-who-your-team-will-target-in-the-afl-draft-20241021-p5kjy5.html

Melbourne may not place a bid on Essendon’s NGA prospect Isaac Kako after trading for the Bombers’ pick nine.

Midfielders Harvey Langford, Sid Draper and Josh Smillie could get through to their first selection,

while key forward Harry Armstrong, defenders Alix Tauru and Luke Trainor, and classy midfielder Xavier Lindsay might be in the mix at their second pick

[Mt. Dee-Maaan 608]

16 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Not sure if this got posted 

from the Age https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/pick-a-winner-who-your-team-will-target-in-the-afl-draft-20241021-p5kjy5.html

Melbourne may not place a bid on Essendon’s NGA prospect Isaac Kako after trading for the Bombers’ pick nine.

Midfielders Harvey Langford, Sid Draper and Josh Smillie could get through to their first selection,

while key forward Harry Armstrong, defenders Alix Tauru and Luke Trainor, and classy midfielder Xavier Lindsay might be in the mix at their second pick

I'll be sweating if we go Smilie at 5 & Armstrong at 9 (or vice versa). I just don't see it. Smilie is arrogant and lazy. Word is we might have a few players already like that :-/..

Would love it Jagga slips to 5 (hello general consistency & good delivery to our forward line!) and if we could nab Tauru or Travaglia at 9, I'd be stoked. Tauru looks a weapon (prob as a KPD) and Travaglia has speed, dare and sounds as though he is an upstanding citizen.

But, should they are all gone, Taj Hotton or Jobe Shanahan at 9.

[Supreme_Demon 3,899]

With pick #5 the Demons can see who slides down to us from the top midfielders in this year's draft.

As for pick #9 it will be totally dependent upon who Richmond (pick #6) and St. Kilda (picks #7 and #8) decide to draft.

St. Kilda, in particular, are very much under pressure to make their draft picks count after their recent draft failures with high picks back in 2017.

[deespicable me 1,495]

I've worked myself up over taking Langford over Smith and regardless of the fact I'm just a foolish fan I'm absolutely adamant we should take Smith over Langford. I can't believe we would pass on Smith if he was available at 5.

Langford is another Sparrow. Good solid footballer, strong body, kicks it a mile and can take a forward grab. Smith is the speed in the midfield we need. Imagine if we start winning midfield clearances. Smith is the answer. Langford is same same.

[Young Blood 2,634]

4 hours ago, deespicable me said:

I've worked myself up over taking Langford over Smith and regardless of the fact I'm just a foolish fan I'm absolutely adamant we should take Smith over Langford. I can't believe we would pass on Smith if he was available at 5.

Langford is another Sparrow. Good solid footballer, strong body, kicks it a mile and can take a forward grab. Smith is the speed in the midfield we need. Imagine if we start winning midfield clearances. Smith is the answer. Langford is same same.

This is where I'm at as well. I think Langford is similar to what we currently have in our big bodied mids that use their size and strength to win contests but sans some of the explosiveness (Trac, Clayton, Sparrow, Rivers). Langford will be steady work horse midfielder but I think we need something with more spark. Jagga is that point of difference in many ways and would give us something we're missing in that midfield group.

The attributes I like most about Smith is his agility, evasive skills, decision making, quick feet, clean disposal and decision making. He is terrific at winning his own ball and swiftly finding a team mates, only to keep running forward himself to receive again and link up to find the best forward entries he can manufacture. He might be a little handball heavy with his disposal at this stage but what you want see him doing often is throwing it on his boot for easy turnovers. He is always looking to release to players in space using hand balls and uses his pace to keep relocating and a live option.  I think he has already learnt that this is what is most effective in the modern game offensively as a strategy for best ball movement.

I know people will complain about his small frame but he'll build his body over time and right now can rely on his strong hips and balance to slip his way out pressure and get the hands free. 

Would be over the moon if we landed this kid. From all accounts he shows terrific leadership qualities and just love his hunger and competitiveness. 

Edited October 25 by Young Blood

[Dee Viney Intervention 1,963]

5 hours ago, Young Blood said:

This is where I'm at as well. I think Langford is similar to what we currently have in our big bodied mids that use their size and strength to win contests but sans some of the explosiveness (Trac, Clayton, Sparrow, Rivers). Langford will be steady work horse midfielder but I think we need something with more spark. Jagga is that point of difference in many ways and would give us something we're missing in that midfield group.

The attributes I like most about Smith is his agility, evasive skills, decision making, quick feet, clean disposal and decision making. He is terrific at winning his own ball and swiftly finding a team mates, only to keep running forward himself to receive again and link up to find the best forward entries he can manufacture. He might be a little handball heavy with his disposal at this stage but what you want see him doing often is throwing it on his boot for easy turnovers. He is always looking to release to players in space using hand balls and uses his pace to keep relocating and a live option.  I think he has already learnt that this is what is most effective in the modern game offensively as a strategy for best ball movement.

I know people will complain about his small frame but he'll build his body over time and right now can rely on his strong hips and balance to slip his way out pressure and get the hands free. 

Would be over the moon if we landed this kid. From all accounts he shows terrific leadership qualities and just love his hunger and competitiveness. 

Absolutely agree. Everyone in the AFL world knows we have midfield- forward line connection issues. Goodwin has admitted it.  With our draft hand we have a great opportunity to finally do something about solving this issue which has held us back over the last few years. I genuinely hope we get two midfielders with picks 5 and 9 but they must be balanced picks. One of those picks must be elite by foot, speed, X factor. I hope Smith is there at 5 and is our first pick. If not then best midfielder available at that selection eg Langford, Lalor, Smilie. Would love Draper but there is no way her gets past the Crows pick. Pick 9 if we get the big bodies mid at 5 should be Lindsay, Travaglia, Reid. 
Our midfield is same, same. We need someone who can consistently hit that kick into the forward 50. Someone that can break the lines and make good decisions with ball in hand to solve the connection problem which has been an anchor. 
We are a contest, defence based team. JT and Goodwin love the big bodied mids. The selection of Windsor last year with our first pick gives me hope that we go away from the “Melbourne player” of the contested bull. It is time to balance our list, we have a great opportunity to do so and I hope we take that opportunity with both hands. 
 If we can get our disposal efficiency up into a functioning forward line we can turn things around very quickly. It’s time to fix the missing link.

[demoncat 1,514]

8 hours ago, Young Blood said:

This is where I'm at as well. I think Langford is similar to what we currently have in our big bodied mids that use their size and strength to win contests but sans some of the explosiveness (Trac, Clayton, Sparrow, Rivers). Langford will be steady work horse midfielder but I think we need something with more spark. Jagga is that point of difference in many ways and would give us something we're missing in that midfield group.

The attributes I like most about Smith is his agility, evasive skills, decision making, quick feet, clean disposal and decision making. He is terrific at winning his own ball and swiftly finding a team mates, only to keep running forward himself to receive again and link up to find the best forward entries he can manufacture. He might be a little handball heavy with his disposal at this stage but what you want see him doing often is throwing it on his boot for easy turnovers. He is always looking to release to players in space using hand balls and uses his pace to keep relocating and a live option.  I think he has already learnt that this is what is most effective in the modern game offensively as a strategy for best ball movement.

I know people will complain about his small frame but he'll build his body over time and right now can rely on his strong hips and balance to slip his way out pressure and get the hands free. 

Would be over the moon if we landed this kid. From all accounts he shows terrific leadership qualities and just love his hunger and competitiveness. 

I had Langford ahead of Smith for a while but I’m coming around to taking him if he’s available (even if Langford is still there)

Imagine if we had a Daicos or Sheezel type in our midfield the last few years? Smith might not be at their levels but I could definitely see him coming in and playing a similar role to those two - perhaps coming off half back or sitting off the back of stoppages and then using his skills and ball winning to set us up in transition 

[adonski 12,427]

3 hours ago, Dee Viney Intervention said:

Absolutely agree. Everyone in the AFL world knows we have midfield- forward line connection issues. Goodwin has admitted it.  With our draft hand we have a great opportunity to finally do something about solving this issue which has held us back over the last few years. I genuinely hope we get two midfielders with picks 5 and 9 but they must be balanced picks. One of those picks must be elite by foot, speed, X factor. I hope Smith is there at 5 and is our first pick. If not then best midfielder available at that selection eg Langford, Lalor, Smilie. Would love Draper but there is no way her gets past the Crows pick. Pick 9 if we get the big bodies mid at 5 should be Lindsay, Travaglia, Reid. 
Our midfield is same, same. We need someone who can consistently hit that kick into the forward 50. Someone that can break the lines and make good decisions with ball in hand to solve the connection problem which has been an anchor. 
We are a contest, defence based team. JT and Goodwin love the big bodied mids. The selection of Windsor last year with our first pick gives me hope that we go away from the “Melbourne player” of the contested bull. It is time to balance our list, we have a great opportunity to do so and I hope we take that opportunity with both hands. 
 If we can get our disposal efficiency up into a functioning forward line we can turn things around very quickly. It’s time to fix the missing link.

Manifest the Jagga and Lindsay double!

[Mouseymoo 368]

3 hours ago, adonski said:

Manifest the Jagga and Lindsay double!

If we can get Lalor/Smith, Travaglia/Lindsay double I'd go nuts 

[Young Blood 2,634]

11 minutes ago, Mouseymoo said:

If we can get Lalor/Smith, Travaglia/Lindsay double I'd go nuts 

I would be as well. I don't think Lalor drops that far but boy if he did (drooling).

Out of interest what makes you pick the smaller HB/Wing players with that second pick over the talls (Armstrong/Tauru) that others are keen on?

I actually think Travaglia/Lindsay would be sound picks because they have great versatility and less chance of being a bust (Which Armstrong could be a feel). They both have pace and great foot skills that we desperately need in this size so I'm all for it.

That being said if Tauru was still on the board at pick 9 I would love to have him. Looks a very special player and a great Lever replacement at some point to set up our backline for the future (Petty/Tauru/Turner) would be solid.

Choices!

Edited October 26 by Young Blood

[adonski 12,427]

3 minutes ago, Young Blood said:

I would be as well.

Out of interest what makes you pick the smaller HB/Wing players with that second pick over the stalls (Armstrong/Tauru) that others are keen on?

We need more runners

If we go with a big bodied mid for pick 5, that doubles down on the need for speed with 9 imo

[spirit of norm smith 16,588]

3 hours ago, adonski said:

Manifest the Jagga and Lindsay double!

Wow. Thats a different direction. Smith and Lindsay … of course if they were available.  Both with elite skills but are lightly built and would be physically challenged to play a midfield role in their first year (whereas bigger mids such as players like Lalor, Langford, Smillie could step in round 1 in 2025) . I still prefer Langford at 5 but it would be a tough decision if Smith was available 🤔🤔🤔

Edited October 26 by spirit of norm smith
K

[Mouseymoo 368]

1 minute ago, Young Blood said:

I would be as well.

Out of interest what makes you pick the smaller HB/Wing players with that second pick over the stalls (Armstrong/Tauru) that others are keen on?

Nothing other than the fact that (in my non-expert opinion), they look like they'll make it as AFL footballers who will slot right into our current team. 

I also do like Tauru but get the sense while we've got Lever, a Travalia/Lindsay type player would be more dynamic to our current setup. 

Also don't rate Armstrong, which is probably unfair, but he's incredibly underwhelming to me. 

[MurDoc516 1,529]

Pick 5 you want a point of difference player. I think the guys in the range for that will be Langford, Smith and Tauru. 

Pick 9, depends on what will be available. I have a feeling North split 2 with Richmond and try grab Tauru. Saints might bite on Armstrong. I'd almost consider Reid if he is available. A future one, two punch of Smith and Reid sounds exciting. 

 

[adonski 12,427]

56 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Wow. Thats a different direction. Smith and Lindsay … of course if they were available.  Both with elite skills but are lightly built and would be physically challenged to play a midfield role in their first year (whereas bigger mids such as players like Lalor, Langford, Smillie could step in round 1 in 2025) . I still prefer Langford at 5 but it would be a tough decision if Smith was available 🤔🤔🤔

For the guys likely to be available at pick 5, I like Smillie and Langford a lot too!

[DeeSpencer 26,080]

17 hours ago, deespicable me said:

I've worked myself up over taking Langford over Smith and regardless of the fact I'm just a foolish fan I'm absolutely adamant we should take Smith over Langford. I can't believe we would pass on Smith if he was available at 5.

Langford is another Sparrow. Good solid footballer, strong body, kicks it a mile and can take a forward grab. Smith is the speed in the midfield we need. Imagine if we start winning midfield clearances. Smith is the answer. Langford is same same.

 

There's no doubt we really could do with an outside in midfielder with run, skills and pace. But people are seeing Jagga's very good run and extrapolating skills and pace that isn't there. Run is good and we need someone who has vision and smarts, but if it doesn't come with attacking drive or quality kicking just how valuable is it?

Breaking down Jagga's game against Vic Country:

0:07 - nothing handball
0:13 - cut back, never looks for the diagonal target, backwards switch (misses target)
0:20 - quality clearance (awful defending) but kick doesn't get over the interceptors
0:30 - great follow up run but handball doesn't connect
0:40 - nice pick up, runs to space, kick hangs in the air, gets spoiled
0: 44 - fumble!
0: 48 - sharp hands
1:04 - unmarked at the stoppage, hacked turnover kick
1:10 - smart crumb, nice throw to set up the shot at goal 
1:20 - dropped mark
1:30 - burns quick options, lobs it 40, Sims nearly swallows it
1:45 fumble!
1:49 second fumble, htb!
2:01 - crafty spin out clearance win, kick misses target

After that I got bored, a couple of nice pieces of play and finds the footy but there's still no evidence of quality foot skills, creativity or genuine speed.

In the same game Langford had one of his lesser performances of the year with his hands full with Smillie, his kicking was a bit hot and cold, but his handballing is both quick and creative, he looks to play on quickly and executes quick kicks and he can take big pack marks. Whilst he doesn't have speed his outside game looks really strong. He's not quick, but he seems to run as well as Jagga and uses it better.

He can bomb it at times but usually it's when he's under pressure and generally to a target. Plus he actually has the leg to bomb it long quickly, which as much as we think can be bad Melbourne footy can be really good footy if you have marking forwards who can take advantage of it.. He's a mile more advanced than Sparrow who rarely looks comfortable with the footy in his hands.

[2021 301]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fsport%2Fafl%2Fdraft%2Fdraft-intel-latest-2024-afl-draft-news-from-around-australia%2Fnews-story%2Fbe41ada4dfdad2f27032f89474832fc1&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-1-NOSCORE

Can someone please summarise what they are saying about the potential Pick 2 swap.

[adonski 12,427]

8 minutes ago, 2021 said:

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fsport%2Fafl%2Fdraft%2Fdraft-intel-latest-2024-afl-draft-news-from-around-australia%2Fnews-story%2Fbe41ada4dfdad2f27032f89474832fc1&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-1-NOSCORE

Can someone please summarise what they are saying about the potential Pick 2 swap.

Much intrigue remains over whether Richmond and North Melbourne will do a deal which could land the Tigers the first two picks in this year’s national draft.

It is believed that the Kangaroos are open to trading pick two and a future first-round selection to Richmond, in exchange for picks six and 11 in this year’s draft.

Such a deal would still leave the Tigers with seven early selections this year — at picks 1, 2, 10, 19, 20, 23 and 24 — along with two first-round picks next year.

[spirit of norm smith 16,588]

If Kangas swap 2 and future 2025 1st round FOR Tigers 2024 picks 6,11

1- Rich.  Lalor/Smith/Langford

2-**Lions- Ashcroft  

3- Rich.  Lalor/Smith/Langford 

4-Blues. O’Sullivan 

5- Crows. Draper 

6-Dees. Who’s remaining from Lalor/Smith/Langford 

7- Kangas. Tauru

8-**Suns- Lombard

9- St.K  Armstrong 

10- St.K Smillie

11- Dees. Choice likely between Lindsay/Travaglia/Reid/Allan 

 

[Harvey Wallbanger 1,029]

7 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

 

There's no doubt we really could do with an outside in midfielder with run, skills and pace. But people are seeing Jagga's very good run and extrapolating skills and pace that isn't there. Run is good and we need someone who has vision and smarts, but if it doesn't come with attacking drive or quality kicking just how valuable is it?

Breaking down Jagga's game against Vic Country:

0:07 - nothing handball
0:13 - cut back, never looks for the diagonal target, backwards switch (misses target)
0:20 - quality clearance (awful defending) but kick doesn't get over the interceptors
0:30 - great follow up run but handball doesn't connect
0:40 - nice pick up, runs to space, kick hangs in the air, gets spoiled
0: 44 - fumble!
0: 48 - sharp hands
1:04 - unmarked at the stoppage, hacked turnover kick
1:10 - smart crumb, nice throw to set up the shot at goal 
1:20 - dropped mark
1:30 - burns quick options, lobs it 40, Sims nearly swallows it
1:45 fumble!
1:49 second fumble, htb!
2:01 - crafty spin out clearance win, kick misses target

After that I got bored, a couple of nice pieces of play and finds the footy but there's still no evidence of quality foot skills, creativity or genuine speed.

In the same game Langford had one of his lesser performances of the year with his hands full with Smillie, his kicking was a bit hot and cold, but his handballing is both quick and creative, he looks to play on quickly and executes quick kicks and he can take big pack marks. Whilst he doesn't have speed his outside game looks really strong. He's not quick, but he seems to run as well as Jagga and uses it better.

He can bomb it at times but usually it's when he's under pressure and generally to a target. Plus he actually has the leg to bomb it long quickly, which as much as we think can be bad Melbourne footy can be really good footy if you have marking forwards who can take advantage of it.. He's a mile more advanced than Sparrow who rarely looks comfortable with the footy in his hands.

I didn't get bored. I thought Smith was great!

[2021 301]

27 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

If Kangas swap 2 and future 2025 1st round FOR Tigers 2024 picks 6,11

1- Rich.  Lalor/Smith/Langford

2-**Lions- Ashcroft  

3- Rich.  Lalor/Smith/Langford 

4-Blues. O’Sullivan 

5- Crows. Draper 

6-Dees. Who’s remaining from Lalor/Smith/Langford 

7- Kangas. Tauru

8-**Suns- Lombard

9- St.K  Armstrong 

10- St.K Smillie

11- Dees. Choice likely between Lindsay/Travaglia/Reid/Allan 

 

I would be happy with any of Lalor/Smith/Langford, but would not be surprised if we take Tauru at “5”. Just seems like a possible JT pick to me.

[John Demonic 5,850]

2 hours ago, adonski said:

Much intrigue remains over whether Richmond and North Melbourne will do a deal which could land the Tigers the first two picks in this year’s national draft.

It is believed that the Kangaroos are open to trading pick two and a future first-round selection to Richmond, in exchange for picks six and 11 in this year’s draft.

Such a deal would still leave the Tigers with seven early selections this year — at picks 1, 2, 10, 19, 20, 23 and 24 — along with two first-round picks next year.

Is there a typo in there? 2 and a most likely future #2 for 6 & 11 - I'd be joining in the chorus with North fans by asking "huh?" If that deal gets done.

Edited October 26 by John Demonic

[2021 301]

I’d be happy with this result:

5) Jagga

9) Tauru

Edited October 26 by 2021

[John Demonic 5,850]

2 hours ago, John Demonic said:

Is there a typo in there? 2 and a most likely future #2 for 6 & 11 - I'd be joining in the chorus with North fans by asking "huh?" If that deal gets done.

Furthermore, Back in the Salem/Tyson/Hunt for #2.JKelly day, 2 for 6/11/25 would be satisfactory. Why is nths F1 involved?

[adonski 12,427]

If Norf swapped with Richmond, and we do love Armstrong, wanting to get in before the Saints have the chance to pick him, there's a world where both Smillie & Langford are available for the Saints. Question is would they double up on big bodied mids?

Worst case scenario if we went early on Armstrong is we miss all of the more highly touted midfield options, even Smillie.

1. Rich - Lalor
2. Rich (via North) - FOS
3. Carl (via WCE) - Jagger
4. Adel - Draper
5. Melb - Armstrong
6. North (via Rich) - Tauru
7. StK - Langford, Smillie, Travalgia? Allen? Reid? Lindsay?
8. StK -  Langford, Smillie, Travalgia? Allen? Reid? Lindsay?
9. Melb -  Langford, Smillie, Travalgia? Allen? Reid? Lindsay?