ChaserJ

And to think we were trying to climb up the order that year to nab Darcy Wilmot ahead of JVR. Very pleased that there were no takers!

Guessing that no.62 is Cooper Simpson, the young Stingrays mid that trained with us as part of the Academy program. Keen to see how he goes, looks a good prospect in that 15-20 range at this stage. Edit: Just saw the '23 draft prospects page which confirms all of the above via a Cal Twomey tweet from 4 hours ago!

Maybe use to match a bid for Kynan Brown?

No, my daughter was also keeping a keen eye out for Tommy, but alas. Can't complain though, got a signature and a g'day from every player that was in attendance, a great day out.

Replay of the game is up on AFL On Demand now:

Ben Brown moved ok as well: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrKQ7SsBI9d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gawnie got involved in most drills today: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrKVxN4hktk/

Scouting Notes: AFL Academy vs. Port Adelaide SANFL

Yep. That said, there were similar concerns on whether Kozzy was taken too high for a small forward in ‘19. Watson has all the attributes to be a very good forward that can be a spark in midfield.

I’d add Nate Caddy to the list, 191 cm, but plays taller than that. Could have a run in midfield too, but marking is his trick. Liam Fawcett from Central Districts is one getting some early attention in SA, bit of Thilthorpe in his play and could make a run at the top 10. Logan Morris from the Jets has shown some promise and takes a good grab too. As far as small forwards go, Nick Watson is massive talent in a small (169cm) package. Even at his size is a top 10 (or higher) prospect and gotten some impressive numbers in midfield over the last couple of games. Jack Delean from SA is also quite exciting.

ESPN’s early u/18 power rankings (no Knightmare?). Glaring omissions for mine are Murray’s Darcy Wilson and GWV’s George Stevens, otherwise a good wrap. There is some talent in this crop and Reid isn’t the only player clubs will trade up for. Have to imagine the Suns 1st pick is on the table with a couple of high end Academy talents coming through. AFL Draft 2023 April Power Rankings: Harley Reid leads the top 20 prospects

Giants did their bit and kept us in the 8 to boot.

If Koz is going to play a greater role in midfield, there is no way he signs before season kicks off. If he signs now and has a blazing start to the season, he’d be leaving a heap of cash on the table. Would love for him to sign, but I think he’ll hold off until he’s had a chunk of the season behind him to help add to his case.

Love it @picket fence, Tom Baker still my favourite Doctor, so this one’s right up there among my fav pre-season reports of all!

Nephew of Jamie.

Cooper Simpson?

I'd also keep a watch on GC's first rounder, which will almost certainly be on the table as it's likely a bid for Jed Walter will come in before that (plus they have a couple of other good players coming through from their academy next season). Wouldn't be surprised to see us put a future 1st and our 2nd rounders on the table to have a crack at securing their first rd pick.

Would be great to see Philactides running out of our backline, he'd be a great fit for us. He's a good kick on the left as well. ATM I have two tiers of players I'd be thrilled to see in the red and blue in '24. The top tier are Reid (can't see a pathway to getting him though), Zane Duursma and Ashton Moir. I'd have a few others in this tier of quality, but the positional fit for us isn't obvious. Tier two includes Darcy Wilson and Philactides along with Will Lourenz. I like what I've seen of Malik Gordan and Archie Roberts, who I've just about got in tier 2.

Jonti incredibly unlucky not to get drafted. Would be keen to see him get a run at Casey.

We drafted Fitsch as a 21 yo, Fritta didn't make the cut at Eastern Ranges in his 18th year because he was too small. He would have originally been in the same pool as Tracc, Gus and Lever (along w/ANB & Langdon). We've done well out of the '14 crop. Jefferson has time to build up his strength.

Brilliant, thanks @Pennant St Dee!

Think he did a PCL that put him out for the year. I believe he’s started preseason with the Stingrays, so should be good to go for next season. Has a similar athletic profile to his brother, so won’t be surprised if he jumps up with some exposure in the u18’s comp next year.

Have you got any insight on Clay Hall @Pennant St Dee?

With dual position threats very much in vogue, I suspect we’ll see fewer pure mids coming through. Of that 10, I’d expect at least 6, probably 7, to spend significant time in the midfield next year. McKercher & Lorenz will be predominantly midfielders. Darcy Wilson’s missed Cal’s 10, but I’d keep a close eye on his development at Murray next year. He’s an exciting fwd/mid who could push into that mix. Reid’s as bulletproof as they come at the top of the order and highly unlikely to be available for us. I really like Duursma and Moir, they are clean in the air and on the ground and just very classy players. Philactides would be a superb fit for our backline with his pace and bounce out of the backline. I think it’ll be a good draft to go into without specific needs to fill, which is why we’re in a great position one year out (and nabbing Jefferson & Verrall this year were sound choices). We can just go shopping for the best players without over drafting a player based on what position they play.

Showed some pace and skill as a junior: