Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

If the cookie crumbles a certain way on draft night, Sid Draper sees his way through to pick 5 (6) after Lalor, FOS, Jagga, Langford are off the board:

The trait which immediately stands out with Draper is his turn of speed. He posted the top agility test time nationwide during the 2023 preseason (7.80 seconds), and it translates on-field where he is near-impossible to lay a hand on. Some of his best action shots this year feature him literally standing on his toes as he darts away at angles which defy belief.

His lightning acceleration makes him an asset in bringing contested ball to the outside. Draper's hands on the inside are supremely clean, and once he recaptured his usual touch as the season wore on, he got to showcase that kind of ability at senior level. He also uses his speed to take the game on in attacking phases, making carving runs through the corridor to set up scores.

One of Draper's best plays throughout his junior career came late in last year's SANFL Under 18s Grand Final, where he took off with three bounces before helping set up Dakota Sterzl for the game-sealing goal. Not only was it a passage which highlighted his enormous talent, but also the guile to recognise when a big moment arrived, and the bottle to take it.

What sets Draper apart even further is his work rate. He is capable of repeat sprint efforts and gets from contest to contest effectively. In that aspect, and with the aforementioned traits, he suits the modern game as a midfielder with balance who can impact on the way forward. The Adelaide supporter even models his game on Port stars Connor Rozee and Zak Butters.

For all his brilliance on the field, Draper also fits the bill off it. He is a diligent and thoughtful in his preparation throughout the week, investing heavily in his football to get the best out of himself. He can also lift others and has been entrusted with leadership roles throughout the pathway. It was no surprise to see him return from injury so emphatically, such is his professionalism.

In terms of his improvement areas, Draper sought to add polish to his disposal this year. Given he often moves at high speeds, his disposal can sometimes waver, though he backs himself in the way of decision making. Durability is the other slight question mark given his relatively slight frame and injuries on the back of a heavy preseason workload. He worked through it, though.

STRENGTHS:

+ Agility
+ Clean hands
+ Leadership
+ Professionalism
+ Speed
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Durability
- End product

 

  • Like 9
  • Thanks 1

Posted

If the Crows happen to overlook Draper, I hope we pounce. Exactly the type of player we need at the Dees:

capable of repeat sprint efforts and gets from contest to contest effectively. In that aspect, and with the aforementioned traits, he suits the modern game as a midfielder with balance who can impact on the way forward.

  • Like 3
Posted

In many aspects of their game Smith & Draper are similar players, but Drapers edge in acceleration and top end pace has me leaning his way slightly. Would change the dynamic of our midfield and help us add some speed to transition game.

  • Like 6
Posted

There is no substitute for speed, especially combined with clean hands and elite decision making. 
Can’t see Crows being brain dead enough to let him slide. 

  • Like 3

Posted
4 minutes ago, BAMF said:

It would be a huge shock for the crows to pick someone else at pick 4.

Yeah I just can't see it happening. Never even considered the possibility of Draper being there for our pick, but I'd call out his name with zero hesitation if he was!

  • Like 1
Posted
13 minutes ago, Mouseymoo said:

Yeah I just can't see it happening. Never even considered the possibility of Draper being there for our pick, but I'd call out his name with zero hesitation if he was!

Neither can I but the word is that they’re really into Langford

  • Like 1

Posted (edited)

I think Carlton also love Draper big time.

Edited by dazzledavey36
  • Like 1

Posted
4 minutes ago, Nascent said:

Sounds like we may need a Finn O'Sullivan thread going if we don't have one already

We'll get the right one eventually

Darts GIF by MyDartCoach

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Posted
1 hour ago, Nascent said:

Sounds like we may need a Finn O'Sullivan thread going if we don't have one already

The least interesting of all the mids IMO, but he's always been linked to Carlton, I assume because of the Walsh connection.

Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Adam The God said:

The least interesting of all the mids IMO, but he's always been linked to Carlton, I assume because of the Walsh connection.

Maybe not the perfect comparison but I think he has Heeny like qualities and potential. Strong overhead, excellent athleticism and high impact per possessions. Will start as a half forward but can go through the midfield in time.

Edited by Nascent
  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

There may be a subplot to this. It wasn't that long ago that it leaked out that Draper was not keen on the Crows after the way they treated Rochelle. Of course, he came out denying he said anything, but Houston was never going to leave Port and how did that end up? Maybe he doesn't want to go to Adelaide, and they are looking at Langford instead.   

Edited by Older demon
Posted

@BAMF agree… It would be a huge shock for the Crows to pick someone else at pick “4”.  If they picked Langford, and Draper was available, I’d be a huge supporter of picking Draper. His class, skill, pace & footy IQ is elite.  He played senior footy this year and adapted against bigger stronger opponents.  Definitely a future star like many of his peers in the top 10 imv 

  • Like 2

Posted
4 hours ago, BAMF said:

It would be a huge shock for the crows to pick someone else at pick 4.

A lot of the links to Draper feel like the medija have seen a highly touted S.A kid and just connected the dots

The Crow's recent links to Langford may prove that, but as always time will tell

  • Like 3
Posted
3 hours ago, Nascent said:

Maybe not the perfect comparison but I think he has Heeny like qualities and potential. Strong overhead, excellent athleticism and high impact per possessions. Will start as a half forward but can go through the midfield in time.

In time like Round1 1st quarter. 
Why do people  say about recruits in time, in future, in the next year or two, in about two or three years. Really age is not relevant in some instances. 

Looking at his highlights he is the style of player we need this year for the next decade or more. 

  • Like 2

Posted
37 minutes ago, 58er said:

In time like Round1 1st quarter. 
Why do people  say about recruits in time, in future, in the next year or two, in about two or three years. Really age is not relevant in some instances. 

Looking at his highlights he is the style of player we need this year for the next decade or more. 

He'll be able to play round 1, as a forward.

He hasn't got the fitness and capacity to run through the midfield at AFL level next year as a 19yr old. Not many kids do.

In time, he will be able to play through the midfield as his game and fitness develops. Kids aren't the finished product at 19.

It's not that hard.

  • Like 2

Posted

Geez he's impressive. He'd play round 1 next year i reckon.

  • Like 2
  • Clap 1
Posted

He's my preferred now. With a bullet. Just looks like the next Dangerfield the way he moves. 

Adelaide would be [censored] NUTS to pass on this kid, I really hope they do! 

  • Like 2
Posted

He's a lot smaller than Dangerfield and plays a very different way. 

I'm not as enamoured as most. I think what you see is close to the finished product with him (as a short, well built, agile inside midfielder with high level technique already) and I'm just not sure that's his level is as good as others in the top 5. I don't particularly like his work in tight, where his feet are really quick but his hands aren't great (for a player of his type) nor his decisions in close. I think his feet buy him a lot of the time he needs to make decisions, which often aren't great.

If we're looking at Draper vs Smith, I like Smith a lot more because he has the types of skills needed to succeed as a small accumulator, which are his hands, his composure, and ability to manage heavy traffic in tight. They're the main question marks I have on Draper. That's not to say he won't be a good player, especially with his obvious professionalism.

  • Like 7
Posted
23 minutes ago, Axis of Bob said:

He's a lot smaller than Dangerfield and plays a very different way. 

I'm not as enamoured as most. I think what you see is close to the finished product with him (as a short, well built, agile inside midfielder with high level technique already) and I'm just not sure that's his level is as good as others in the top 5. I don't particularly like his work in tight, where his feet are really quick but his hands aren't great (for a player of his type) nor his decisions in close. I think his feet buy him a lot of the time he needs to make decisions, which often aren't great.

If we're looking at Draper vs Smith, I like Smith a lot more because he has the types of skills needed to succeed as a small accumulator, which are his hands, his composure, and ability to manage heavy traffic in tight. They're the main question marks I have on Draper. That's not to say he won't be a good player, especially with his obvious professionalism.

I'm hopeful the Jaguar slips to us

  • Like 4

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Friday 6th December 2024

    Some veteran Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations from another Preseason Training Session. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Rehab: Lever, Spargo, McAdam, Lindsay, Brown Sinnema is excellent by foot and has a decent vertical leap. Windsor is training with the Defenders. Windsor's run won't be lost playing off half back. In 19 games in 2024 he kicked 8 goals as a winger. I see him getting shots at g

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 5th December 2024

    A couple of intrepid Demonland Trackwatchers headed down to Gosch's Paddock for the midweek Preseason Training Session to bring you the following observations. Demonland's own Whispering Jack was not in attendance but he kicked off proceedings with the following summary of all the Preseason Training action to date. We’re already a month into the MFC preseason (if you started counting when the younger players in the group began the campaign along with some of the more keen older heads)

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    BEST OF THE REST by Meggs

    Meggs' Review of Melbourne's AFLW Season 9 ... Congratulations first off to the North Melbourne Kangaroos on winning the 2024 AFLW Premiership. Roos Coach Darren Crocker has assembled a team chock-full of competitive and highly skilful players who outclassed the Brisbane Lions in the Grand Final to remain undefeated throughout Season 9. A huge achievement in what was a dominant season by North. For Melbourne fans, the season was unfortunately one of frustration and disappointment

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Monday 2nd December 2024

    There were many Demonland Trackwatchers braving the morning heat at Gosch's Paddock today to witness the players go through the annual 2km time trials. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Max, TMac & Melksham the first ones out on the track.  Runners are on. Guess they will be doing a lot of running.  TRAINING: Max, TMac, Melksham, Woey, Rivers, AMW, May, Sharp, Kolt, Adams, Sparrow, Jefferson, Billings, Petty, chandler, Howes, Lever, Kozzy, Mentha, Fullarton, Sal

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 4

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...