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The Alex Dodson Thread

old55
old55
in Melbourne Demons

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Posted

I have no idea about U18 talent, but I wonder if we rate Alex Dodson.  This is the perfect time to draft a ruckman with Max signed on for 3 more years.

I like Will Verrall but I think he is going to struggle to make it as #1 ruck at 199cm.  He could be a forward-ruck or KPB option.

It's going to take at least a year, probably two, before a drafted ruckman is ready for AFL. Few ruckmen successfully carry the #1 mantle in their first two seasons.

By season three in 2027 the transition from Max will be in full swing, a draftee this year will turn 21 then.  It's too late doing it in the 2026 draft.

Some discussion in this article: Top picks on table, Crows moves keep coming, Combine watch

It's risky to rely on picking up a ready-to-go mature ager at the end of Max's contract - if that was this year who are the options - Ivan Soldo? No thanks.

If we do like Dodson and draft him we can always fall back on the mature ager strategy if he doesn't come on as hoped.

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    Surely the better strategy is to bring in a ready made replacement when Max is done, rather than take the risk of drafting a ruckman. 

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    I just read the link that old55 posted. Yep makes sense to get him! I like that he has an elite basketball background also. I'm all for drafting him!

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    I've been thinking similarly if we have a pick in the right range.

    I like the timing and the fact that he'll have great mentors with Campbell and Gawn. I'd be happy for Dodson and Verrall to have a shoot-out for the spot. Verrall's height is a concern and IMO, he doesn't make up for it in other ways (eg. mobility, marking or kicking). I like his handballing and follow-up after a ruck contest but I'll reserve judgement until he's reached peak fitness, hopefully this preseason.

    Can anyone offer insight into Dodson beyond the highlights reel?

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    7 hours ago, layzie said:

    Last 5 for 20m dash at the combine. Stay away.

     

    **This is a joke**

    That's not ideal but endurance is more important for the ruck role, would be interesting to know how he went in the 2km time trial.

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    • 4 weeks later...
     

    We'd have to split 9, wonder if Port, GWS, WC or Freo might give us their first and early second.. 

    Screenshot_20241105_135012_Opera.jpg

    Edited by Mouseymoo

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    Thought we gave up all the loose change to move to the premium seats. Would be astounded if 9th would be down grounded. Defies logic.
     

    Wednesday fortnight can’t be too far away…

    …relief is in sight isn’t it?

    Shaun The Sheep Olympics GIF by Aardman Animations

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    3 hours ago, Mouseymoo said:

    We'd have to split 9, wonder if Port, GWS, WC or Freo might give us their first and early second.. 

    Screenshot_20241105_135012_Opera.jpg

    26, 29 and 30 could be too late if Dodson is any good

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    2 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

    Thought we gave up all the loose change to move to the premium seats. Would be astounded if 9th would be down grounded. Defies logic.
     

    Wednesday fortnight can’t be too far away…

    …relief is in sight isn’t it?

    Shaun The Sheep Olympics GIF by Aardman Animations

    We made a similar offer for 13 as we did 9. We did what was needed to get the additional first rounder. Perfectly logical that we make a small trade down if the draft board and offers work out.

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    Surely Kalani White would be the future ruck investment? IF we draft Dodson might it mean we don’t feel he’s coming? 

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    1 hour ago, Wells 11 said:

    Surely Kalani White would be the future ruck investment? IF we draft Dodson might it mean we don’t feel he’s coming? 

    Or he is not big enough to be an AFL ruckman, but rather a key position player.

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    12 hours ago, Wells 11 said:

    Surely Kalani White would be the future ruck investment? IF we draft Dodson might it mean we don’t feel he’s coming? 

    He's a KPD at the moment

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    17 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

    Thought we gave up all the loose change to move to the premium seats. Would be astounded if 9th would be down grounded. Defies logic.
     

     

     

    Don't get too hung up on the pick number, 'cause that's all it is at this stage, a number. 

    If we feel there are a couple of players we really like (and suit our needs) that are gettable with later picks, we will look at splitting pick 9. 

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    3 hours ago, Roger Mellie said:

    He's a KPD at the moment

    Kalani is only 200cm at the moment, so he's at the shorter end of today's rucks (see below for a quick reference from ChatGPT).  At some point we will need a legitimate replacement for Gawn. Unfortunately most of the potential options don't have the same ability to get around the ground like Gawn does.  If we see a good young bloke next year though I say we pounce. 
     

    Club First Ruckman Height
    Adelaide Crows Reilly O'Brien 201 cm
    Brisbane Lions Oscar McInerney 204 cm
    Carlton Blues Marc Pittonet 202 cm
    Collingwood Magpies Darcy Cameron 204 cm
    Essendon Bombers Sam Draper 205 cm
    Fremantle Dockers Sean Darcy 203 cm
    Geelong Cats Rhys Stanley 200 cm
    Gold Coast Suns Jarrod Witts 209 cm
    GWS Giants Kieren Briggs 201 cm
    Hawthorn Hawks Ned Reeves 211 cm
    Melbourne Demons Max Gawn 208 cm
    North Melbourne Kangaroos Tristan Xerri 201 cm
    Port Adelaide Power Scott Lycett 203 cm
    Richmond Tigers Ivan Soldo 204 cm
    St Kilda Saints Rowan Marshall 201 cm
    Sydney Swans Tom Hickey 201 cm
    West Coast Eagles Nic Naitanui 201 cm
    Western Bulldogs Tim English 208 cm
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    19 minutes ago, BORNADO said:

    Kalani is only 200cm at the moment, so he's at the shorter end of today's rucks (see below for a quick reference from ChatGPT).  At some point we will need a legitimate replacement for Gawn. Unfortunately most of the potential options don't have the same ability to get around the ground like Gawn does.  If we see a good young bloke next year though I say we pounce. 
     

    Club First Ruckman Height
    Adelaide Crows Reilly O'Brien 201 cm
    Brisbane Lions Oscar McInerney 204 cm
    Carlton Blues Marc Pittonet 202 cm
    Collingwood Magpies Darcy Cameron 204 cm
    Essendon Bombers Sam Draper 205 cm
    Fremantle Dockers Sean Darcy 203 cm
    Geelong Cats Rhys Stanley 200 cm
    Gold Coast Suns Jarrod Witts 209 cm
    GWS Giants Kieren Briggs 201 cm
    Hawthorn Hawks Ned Reeves 211 cm
    Melbourne Demons Max Gawn 208 cm
    North Melbourne Kangaroos Tristan Xerri 201 cm
    Port Adelaide Power Scott Lycett 203 cm
    Richmond Tigers Ivan Soldo 204 cm
    St Kilda Saints Rowan Marshall 201 cm
    Sydney Swans Tom Hickey 201 cm
    West Coast Eagles Nic Naitanui 201 cm
    Western Bulldogs Tim English 208 cm

    Thanks but that'll be news to WC, Richmond, Sydney and even Hawthorn.

    Chat GPT - close but no cigar!

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    26 minutes ago, BORNADO said:

    Kalani is only 200cm at the moment, so he's at the shorter end of today's rucks (see below for a quick reference from ChatGPT).  At some point we will need a legitimate replacement for Gawn. Unfortunately most of the potential options don't have the same ability to get around the ground like Gawn does.  If we see a good young bloke next year though I say we pounce. 
     

    Club First Ruckman Height
    Adelaide Crows Reilly O'Brien 201 cm
    Brisbane Lions Oscar McInerney 204 cm
    Carlton Blues Marc Pittonet 202 cm
    Collingwood Magpies Darcy Cameron 204 cm
    Essendon Bombers Sam Draper 205 cm
    Fremantle Dockers Sean Darcy 203 cm
    Geelong Cats Rhys Stanley 200 cm
    Gold Coast Suns Jarrod Witts 209 cm
    GWS Giants Kieren Briggs 201 cm
    Hawthorn Hawks Ned Reeves 211 cm
    Melbourne Demons Max Gawn 208 cm
    North Melbourne Kangaroos Tristan Xerri 201 cm
    Port Adelaide Power Scott Lycett 203 cm
    Richmond Tigers Ivan Soldo 204 cm
    St Kilda Saints Rowan Marshall 201 cm
    Sydney Swans Tom Hickey 201 cm
    West Coast Eagles Nic Naitanui 201 cm
    Western Bulldogs Tim English 208 cm

    Inaccuracies of ruckman names aside, your suggestion we wait and hope another year to replace Max concerns me. Max turns 33yo next month. Ruckman, traditionally need time. Will Verall is a fair way off atm and is 'only' 199cm anyway. 

    I recommend you look at vision of Alex Dodson in the u18 Championships. He is a very mobile,  high possession,  203cn ruckman.  He really only concentrated on football this year, being a top level basketballer. He is the best teen ruck prospect I've seen in years. The great depth of talent this year is the only reason he's not being touted top 10. 

    Even then, I think he will get picked higher than many predict. If we can't manage a pick split, I would still seriously consider him at 9, which will end up at 11 or 12 anyway.

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