ChaserJ

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:

Was Trent Burgoyne a guest at our B&F?

A bit of a look at next year's crop. Plenty of names to keep an eye on: 23 in 2023: A look ahead to next year’s top prospects

Anyone keen to watch some VAFA footy and report back on Kye? Bonus points for any Austin Bradtke progress reports: https://www.vafa.com.au/vafa-tv/prem-b-gf-uni-blacks-v-old-haileybury/

From Paul Amy earlier this year:

Cricket apparently, so didn’t elect to go through NAB League pathway.

Agree @jayceebee31, a general defender with composure would cap off a good draft period. I like Gilbey as well, Luke Teal Is another I'd be keen on.

Curnow had a strong endurance base (despite draft year injury issues) and had a stronger, more solid frame when he came in. Like the Waite call, I also see a bit of Sam Reid with Jefferson as well.

As expected, Dees still keen on Giants pick: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/more-afl-draft-trades-to-come-demons-open-to-giant-move-20221128-p5c1wv.html

Kicking all of the tyres we can!

From Marc McGowan at the Age. Marc speculates that we could trade w/ Dogs to get ahead of Eagles for Allan:

@Bombay Airconditioning, Humphrey missed a chunk of the year (including the majority of Champs) with injury. Started the year well as a mid fwd regularly getting 20 touches and kicking multiple goals. Showed power and acceleration and a long, but sometimes wayward kick. Was probably looking like a 2nd rd prospect, but once he came back post champs he went on a tear, notching up multiple good games in the NAB League. Footage from these games can be a bit sketchy, and for some reason the Champs finale footage hasn’t made it into any of the highlights clips (maybe a Fox Footy rights thing). Humphrey looked dangerous throughout, showed his power and kicked a nice goal on the run, but missed a few set shots. That’s the knock. His kicking needs more polish, but he has weapons and he is a great kid. Great character.