ChaserJ

Emma Quayle's wrap: Midfielders pushing up the order as the 2014 draft pool starts to take shape And Callum Twomeys pre-phantom rankings: Phantom Draft Form Guide

Not sure whether the coverage diminished his work, but Pickett was involved in most of the positive work that WA were able to muster. Very much in the Lewis Jetta mode, and there was a buzz of excitement whenever he grabbed the ball and took off. Garlett showed a bit if dash as well. Petracca was very influential I thought. Particularly loved when a nippy WA player overestimated his own ability and tried to take on Petracca on the mark. Petracca crunched him in the tackle and from memory just rag dolled the WA player who picked up the loose ball afterward. He'll more than likely be good to go once drafted. I'd be very surprised if Richmond left Durdin on the table. They are screaming for talls at both ends. Clem Smith might be dropping a bit down the charts, he's had a disappointing tournament so far. Undisciplined with both his physicality and his kicking. Was hoping he'd really elevate himself, but has gone the other way.

Emma Quayle's 25 to watch in the final rounds of the Champs: The next generation of AFL players set to strut their stuff

Herald Sun's draft primer:- Jon Anderson profiles the Under 18s class of 2014, predicts top 20 draft picks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNSowAl0yXY

Great write up PSD, thanks for the report.

Peter Wright dominant in ruck for Metro today, Petracca and Brayshaw also amongst the best in Metro's first win for the champs: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-14/vic-metro-defeats-sa

Any number of scenarios could play out. It depends on whether GWS want to retain those players or would prefer to offload the pick. The only reason they would be offloading pick 1 (notionally) for experienced players would be that they are already well stocked with key position players. If one of them agitated for a trade, and GWS was willing to dish them off, then they could draft a replacement with pick one. Would take a larger number of assets to pry one of Cameron, Patton or Boyd out of GWS, than it would to get pick one IMO.

My emphasis was more on GWS potentially losing the players for nothing if they chose to walk through the draft (main or psd). It’s not a place any team wants to be with valued players out of contract.

I believe that Coniglio, Cameron, Treloar and the others mentioned in the article are contracted till end of 2015, but GWS desperate to extend them prior to their contract year and counteract any leverage other clubs have (the ‘lose them for nothing next year’ factor.

It depends on whether they have access to one of the top three. No doubt that if McCartin, Durdin or Wright is on offer, they'll jump at them. After them, it's not so clear cut. Goddard's sliding a little. He hasn't had a great championships at all, and hasn't really taken any games over, despite being highly touted for a couple of years now. He needs a lift to maintain his draft standing. After Goddard, Lever is probably the next best tall, and he's out for the year with an ACL, so some risk associated. Keitel could push himself up if he maintains form, but he isn't in that top group just yet. Doggies need for height is well documented, but they also have a strong need for pace, as their midfield is seriously lacking runners. A lot of folk have Pickett climbing right up the ranks, I wouldn't be surprised to see Dog's take him if their pick is around number 5. If we have two picks, I think we will look very closely at him.

I reckon Sam Durdin fills a real need for GWS, but agree that no.1 pick is highly likely to be in play. Wouldn't be surprised if Collingwood threw up Ben Reid plus other assets. Sydney could also have a dip. Might Freo be prepared to trade Fyfe for a chance at the best of the kpp's?

Paige Cardona's mid championship phantom draft. Reckon she's done a good job: http://boundforglorynews.com/paige-cardonas-phantom-draft-1-0/

I’m surprised at this one. He’s a WA lad and have heard almost nothing about him wanting to leave. Thought we’d be a better chance at Shiel or Treloar. A very well rounded midfielder. Good inside and provides good run and carry outside as well, he’d be a very good get.

IMO we need to be careful about unbalancing the midfield make up of our list, lest we end up with too many of the same type and same pace. It’s a problem that I think the Bulldogs are currently facing with their midfield. A few too many in and under mids and not many genuine line breakers. We could have used one or two on Monday.

It is nice to have some alternate views out there. Quite often profiles circulated through the mainstream are often unbalanced and mainly promotional tools for the draftees. The critical stuff often goes unsaid. There’s a high amount of speculation with the draft, and I’m certain that no clubs have made up their minds at this stage. There’s still so much football to be played from now till draft time, I’m sure the order will change. Given the evenness of the top group, I think it could change dramatically.

Wouldn’t have thought another inside mid would be a priority for the Roos.

Depends on how much he's grown from last years listed height of 188cm. If he is now legitimate kp height, then yes if Durdin's off the board by the time we pick. Lever's an excellent competitor and distributor.

Bit more on Petracca…do we trust Neeldy as a referee? http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/eastern-ranges-christian-petracca-is-rewarded-for-making-the-tough-decision-to-give-away-basketball/story-fngnvmqa-1226938898654

Highlights of Pickett, Durdin, Petracca and a couple of others worth looking at as half back distributors. http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-06-11/eyecatchers-round-three

Emma Quayle on Jarrod Pickett: Emma Quayle @emmasq · 1h Jarrod Pickett played one of the great u18 games for WA on the weekend. Could be drafted VERY high. Top part of the draft still wide open.

Little bit of footage from the AFL website: http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-06-04/eyecatchers-round-two Justin Bertuleit's notes on Vic Metro from Sunday's game: http://madmondayshow.com/2014/06/09/rd-3-vic-metro-1-scouting-notes/

Would love us to add some pace. If we can get Billy Stretch in the third round, there should be some good running half back/wing types available in the second rd. Duggan probably will be gone, but Laverde and Viojo-Rainbow are good options who may be available. Very good ball users who might be able to give us what Seedsman and Harry L gave the Pies today.

Probably more power (and less finesse) than LeCras. Last year he caught the eye as an aggressive (but at 186 cm undersized) key forward. Good spring and dynamic, played a bit like Jack Darling. Given his body type though the feeling was that he would have to show the ability to play in midfield to get drafted early. Not superquick, but big bodied with good core strength, his conversion into an inside midfielder appears to be going well. Could become a Rockliff type if he builds that engine. Certainly changing a few opinions with his play so far.

Petracca showing his midfield ability with some dynamic showings in the Championships. Goddard might be sliding a little, needs to finish the Champs well, because he's underwhelmed so far. Billy Stretch has probably been among the more consistent players so far.