Hannabal

Yes, the AFL changed the qualifying criteria after Mitch was drafted.

I love it how you say in an earlier post "what a few of us have been saying" LOL. You haven't even seen him play, yet your quoting yourself in context. LOL Then you say that he "doesn't know how to play to an elite standard", yet he's representing WA juniors and will most likely make AA. He's also playing for Swan Districts, which is the most "elite standard" he can represent. Mate, we all know that there's a risk with Naitanui. Any club that picks him knows the drill. Some say they'd pick others that are more sure fire, and yet Scotty Clayton, Wayne Hughes, and Garry Buckenara say they wouldn't hesitate. Do they have as much cred as the un-named sources ? But as stated ad nauseum, those un-named sources are correct. He's somewhat of a risk. So, it will be fascinating to watch it unfold. I reckon the risk is worth the upside, but I'll reserve final judgment until I see him in the flesh. Even then, I know I won't have seen nearly enough. But you support another club, so why do you care ?

Tim Supposedly more a Goodes type. I think he'll take centre bounces, then be used as a running mid, and also go forward to create mismatches. On ball will predominantly be his role.

Even Glen Archer said on Footy Classified last monday that he was sick of the talk about Shinboner Spirit, implying it was way overdone. It's a crock. I'll bump the thread when they're crap again.

No, it's we would 'have' really wasted a pick, not would 'of' really wasted a pick. Be comforted by the fact that this is the most common error on forums. That said, I wouldn't take too much comfort in the failings of others. Btw, I think you've missed the point of the thread. Cale is 18 and the youngest of the Mortons and considered to be the best, as evidenced by his draft pick, although Mitch was highly touted and taken as a F/S. He needs to develop his body over summer. The good news is, unless there's a rogue gene, his brothers have shown what sort of physique we can expect in a year, or two from young Cale.

I don't rate Paul Johnson either. So get a new pinup boy to prove a point. Jamar is too slow, and as Rhino points out, a poor decision maker. And you wonder why some want Naitanui and Warnock. I hope you've got a better grip on the Bombres.

Because he's still learning the game doesn't show a lack of smarts. In fact, I'd suggest that anyone touted as being no. 1 pick with such a limited time in the game suggests the opposite. Already he knows how to do the inside work that many never come to grips with. It's the easy, or cheap ball in space that he needs to develop. Most players with enormous athletic ability are the opposite to Naita. They get the cheap ball well, but never get bruised with the hard stuff. Have you ever seen him play live, or are you just parroting the views of others ? I'll reserve my judgment until I see him in the flesh. That said, anyone with his natural speed, size, leap, evasiveness, and aggression, who already does inside work better than most mids has my immediate respect and attention. And do you think there's a healthy dose of dedication being shown to outperform talented kids that have grown up with the game ? I suspect Jimmy Stynes would have been envious of such an athletic disposition. Imagine what he would've become in Naita's body. And Naita seems to have the same steely determination to achieve what he already has. Will he be no. 1 ? I don't know, and may be he's not currently deserving, but I suspect anyone who sells him short may re-evaluate in time. You need to post less or get a new script writer.

You're right. I mean we've only given him 6 seasons to develop. Why not offer him a couple more. You're either stupid, or taking the [censored]. Probably the former. He's too slow.

No, I last saw Warnock against Brisbane and North, and watched him a number of times last year. Look Loose, Warnock was always a project player due to his height and light frame. Players at 206cm and 70 something kilos are always going to take time and Freo knew this when they drafted him. Up until this year Freo had Sandilands and Justin Longmuir in the ruck, so it's little wonder he's spent time in the WAFL, but due to injury to Longmuir in 07 Warnock has been able to eek out 17 games to date in his AFL career. He's been a little slow to develop due to the reasons I mentioned, but he's athletic, moves well, and is very co-ordinated for his size. Cox is an amazing talent and not many would fair well in a comparison. There's also not many beanpoles that have hit their straps at 21. But for your edification I've compared Warnock with some other ruckman, as follows: Games played at age 21 – even though some below turned 22 before that season’s end Dean Cox 55 Darren Jolly 41 Simon Taylor 17 David Hale 37 Cameron Wood 24* Robert Campbell 31 Hamish McIntosh 18 Mark Jamar 20 Robert Warnock 17* *still 21 Possessions/Hitouts up to the age of 21 (or 22 by season's end) Dean Cox 9.7/15 Darren Jolly 5.7/9.1 Simon Taylor 6/7.9 David Hale 7.8/7.9 Cameron Wood 7.2/11.2 Robert Campbell 5.4/10 Hamish McIntosh 9.7/7.1 Mark Jamar 4.8/9.2 Robert Warnock 10.1/9.1 Conclusion: Warnock has played less games than most, but he still has 9 more matches this season. He has averaged more possessions than any of the listed ruckman at the same age - Cox included. I didn't include marks, but he's only behind McIntosh and Cox, and he's thereabouts in the hitouts, although, understandably the giant Sandilands takes most of those. And if you'd read Gerard Healy's article about rucks not long back you wouldn't take any notice of hitouts to advantage. His figures are better than Cameron Wood who was traded to Collingwood for pick 14 in the last trade period. They're roughly the same height and both are 21. In fact, Warnock's figures compare more than favourably with all of those listed and far better than some. And he completely shits over Jamar. You embarrass yourself for even making the comparison. He'll play at 100kg's next year and at 22/206cm's is a huge prospect. Hope that helped.

Yes. He's not up to AFL. He's far too slow in mind and body to cut it at the next level. With the difference in pace at the lower grade he can make more contests and take a few grabs. A classic example of a good VFL player who's found his right level.

You have no clue. At 21 years of age and 206cm's he's still growing into his body. Three years ago he was drafted at 70 odd kilos. Next year he'll be playing at 100kg's - he's now 94. If you look at the careers of Cox, McIntosh, Hale, Campbell, Taylor, etc, you'll see that none of them did anything of note before they were 22. In fact, most of their careers were less impressive than Warnock's to date at the same age. He's a huge talent and will become an elite ruckman in the competition. But thanks for your contribution. Edited - he's actually 206cm's not 204.

No it's not. It's quite appropriate from time to time to question the possibility of potential Father/Sons coming through. Don't like it, don't contibute.

How'd he go when you saw him last ? Any feedback would be apreciated.

I'm almost in utter shock that I completely agree with you. That said, it's way too early to know the candidates. There could well be some tasty surprises at year's end.

Nothing like a good old ambit claim to get the show on the road.

Nah, Robbie was just a freak of Naita. That said, many here will remember his brother Tom wearing the red and blue. He was no Robbie, just like the son. Not many sons that make it.

I reckon it's a furphy that he wants $500k. It's only been reported on BF. I may be wrong, but I'd be surprised if it's more than half that amount.

You "doubt" a top 20 pick ? If you got pick 50 you'd catch a plane that instant and sign the deal before they changed their mind.

If a Melbourne supporter asks me I'll happily explain, but I can't be bothered educating an Essendon supporter.

I agree, but I'd be hoping for better players at pick 1 in the PSD. I'd much rather Robbie Warnock.

Be more excited by Jack Viney at Ashburton Juniors. He wins all the B&F's, is tough as nails, but supposedly with better skills than his Dad. He's meant to be an outstanding prospect, but much can happen between now and when he's eligible to be drafted. He plays under 15's.

Alwyn is much harder at the contest than Aaron and more suited to a midfield role. Given Maric is no guarantee to make it and we've now gone a fair way to addressing our inside ability, we need to turn our attention to those that can give run, break the lines, and have some finishing class. Alwyn wouldn't be a bad fit. The knee reco is a bit of a worry and I wouldn't want to give a top 30 pick, and Essendon won't want to trade him, so I don't see much happening there.

That would be a 'no'. Not even close.

Since when did "realism" interest you ? But no, we won't be able to trade into the top 10.

Morton will improve in leaps and bounds when he's more confident that he and his body belong in the AFL. Confidence is a wondrous thing. I also think that he tries to get away with what he was able to in the juniors, but with less time and far more phyisicality he's paid the price a few times. When he works it all out he'll be fine. And an elite AFL player.