ChaserJ

Wouldn't be surprised if Billings was rated at 2. I think we were shy on Kelly and Aish because of our history with the skinnier types. Those guys have shown that they are be able to win their own (which was in question, particularly with Aish) , but Salem already has a pretty good frame for a new draftee.

Really liked Honeychurch as a player last year, very good clearance winner in junior football, but also very small. I think most clubs shied away because the perception was that he wouldn't put on the size to play that game in AFL. Plays pretty well as a small forward, hope he makes it at the Dogs. To be fair to Durdin, that was his first game in months after a hand injury, and I hear that the conditions weren't all that favourable for talls last night. Looking forward to seeing Goddard this year. Was impressed after a couple of viewings last year, the type that doesn't like losing a contest (never mind a game).

Our lack of structure and ineptitude in the first three rounds is an example of that good kpp’s are still important in the modern game. We couldn’t cover for the absence of Clark, Dawes and Hogan, and Fitzpatrick and Pedersen couldn’t cover their absence. Our depth isn't great, and agree that there are too many unknowns with Jesse and Max, who is yet to ruck a full season at AFL level. At this stage though Wright has played more of his football as a forward, and has been dominant at times there. There's still a fair bit of football to be played to assess his potential and worth. Pick one is fairly open this, he could well be overtaken. Besides, I still think (and hope) that we don't finish last this year. If Frawley stays, I hope we take the best available. If it’s Wright, he looks like he has a very solid body for a 202cm kid and is quite quick for his size, with a good tank. I’ve only seen video, so look forward to seeing him play live. Durdin can play across all key positions (back, forward, ruck), so offers the best versatility, if Frawley goes, he might be the KPP draftee I lean towards. I also hope that whomever we pick, competitiveness and aggression is part of that players make up, and of the KPP’s tipped to go high, Goddard seems to display the most aggression (haven’t seen enough of Durdin and Wright to know whether they are competitive beasts or how much aggression they have in their games). I’d be happy with any of those at this stage. If we get a FA compo for Chip, I’d look to split the player types and draft a mid. Really hope Clem Smith pushes himself up into contention for a selection this high. His aggression and thirst for the contest is inspirational and he makes things happen. A quick player who can use the ball, make good decisions AND does the hard stuff is pretty rare. I hope he can show more of a midfield game this year, because he is a point of difference player in this draft. He does have a bit of work to do push himself up that far in the order, but I like the kid.

AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey's take: Who will be this year's No.1 draft pick?

On early rankings, Wright seems to be consensus no.1, with McCartin around the mark as well. From there opinion varies, but Goddard is up there with Sam Durdin from SA (probably the best key back in the pool, can play forward too). Brayshaw and Petracca are probably in the next bracket, but Brayshaw is climbing. Probably the highest rated midfielder at the moment. Petracca needs to show he can run in midfield on a full-time basis. Was excellent up forward last year, but probably not tall enough to play key position at AFL level. Wins most one on one contests and has mongrel, but queries would be on tank and whether he is quick enough. If can show that he is, he's a lock for a top 5 selection. Pickett is one to monitor. Has great pace, but it looks like he has a go and can win his own ball on the inside. May move up if he shows this consistently. The early feedback about this draft pool is the higher end talent isn't as outstanding as last year, but greater key position talent, and greater depth of talent.

Emma Quayle's write up on Friday night's match. Teenagers show promise despite big loss to Collingwood

Bit more on Angus Brayshaw: http://boundforglorynews.com/angus-brayshaw-the-bull-in-a-china-shop/ Look forward to seeing a bit more of him in TAC Cup and NAB Champs this year.

Player’s have a relatively short earning capacity to the rest of us working folk as well. If they are lucky enough to have a 10 year career (average AFL career is 5 years) they will earn something like 90% of their lifetime earnings between the ages of 18-30. The average person will earn the bulk of their lifetime earnings between 30 and 55, so it’s hard to decry a player too much for wanting to put themselves in the best possible position to set themselves up. That said, I’m more sympathetic toward Frawley and Sylvia’s situations, as they have spent enough time at Melbourne to either qualify or approach qualification for free agency. They’ve done the time at Melbourne with varying degrees of success, and each have one, maybe two high earning contracts left in them.

As much as I hated (and still hate) the Scully sideshow, I knew we made out like bandits when the compensation was confirmed. Thank you GWS for your great big wad of cash. Where the potential situation with Watts differs is that I can’t see how Melbourne can mount a case to receive anything close to fair (or favourable) in trade for Watts given his lack of proven performance. I would suggest he is nowhere near his peak value. I expect other clubs to know this and they will offer low. I’d be very surprised if we’d be able to even pry Mitch Robinson from Carlton for Watts. Never mind the humiliation of losing two number one draft picks to add to our failure with Morton in the preceding draft. It will be a damning indictment on our club. It seems that we are failing at selling the future to our players. The club needs to make a decision on Neeld fairly soon. I agree with GNF that if Neeld stays, we will lose players that we should be keeping. I honestly find it hard to believe that he is the man for the long haul, and if the club believe that’s the case, he must go sooner, rather than later. If he is not to be there next year, he must be gone prior to the player exchange period. The club must be clear in the direction it’s moving and clear in its vision, because at the moment the rudder’s all over the place and the crew seems ready to jump ship. The wait and see approach will damage our club and set us back further by years.

Yeah, watched him on the U\16's coverage on Grand Final Day. Looks the goods. Quick and powerful, good second efforts. So does that DOB put him out of our reach under next years draft eligibility? Scully's 17 touches in the TAC Cup GF were all class. I'd love it if we got him next year. Pickering and Sheahan were likening him to Voss and Rob Harvey. Courageous and highly skilled. Definately top 3 in next years draft.