spirit of norm smith

Twomey is reasonably consistent with the Demonlanders comments. Nothing new. Just that the top 10 are all good. The top 6 are most definitely in the top 10 and then there is the probables & possibles Dees “5”: best midfielder available from Lalor, O’Sullivan, Draper, Smith or Langford (likely choice is between Smith or Langford) Dees “9”: Cal thinks Armstrong, but could be Allan or Travaglia (imv Allan would be a ready made footballer) Jagga Smith is a very impressive young man. His strength is his footy IQ, gets the footy and makes the right decisions. His knock is size and strength. Tackling not really identified. Kicking is smart but not arrow like. Pace is good but not electric. He’s got to get stronger and faster to be an elite midfielder like Butters.

I’m not sure Langford would last to “9”. Nice if it happened but I think unlikely. If it goes 1 Lalor 2 Ashcroft 3 Tauru 4 O’Sullivan 5 Draper & then 6 Dees pick Smith, then Tigers would probably pick Langford (if not, Saints would again likely get him). Unlikely Langford lasts until “9”.

If Casey is half serious about being an actual club, then need to get attract players like Jai Culley if he’s not put on an AFL list by another club. Definitely has AFL quality still and would command a game every week despite AFL listed players.

Mitch Cleary reporting … Chris Scott has had a role with Morris Finance for several years which was initially ticked off by the AFL. However the League is looking into the Chief of Leadership + Performance position that was announced last week. It’s understood multiple rival clubs have raised eyebrows

@Axis of Bob “What would the reaction be here if we picked a key forward and a flanker?” Surprise. Shock. Dismay. All of these. Need to look at two aces, being a combination of an inside contested ball winning mid and an outside running mid/half back.

Ruthless time of the year. Another round of delistings sees Olli Hotton leave the Saints. He is a promising youngster, only 20yo with 2 years in the system. Saw him at VFL level when Sandringham beat Casey. In a close game , Membrey again was prolific with 6 goals but Hotton also looked dangerous as a half forward and kicked 5 goals. Not sure why he’s delisted. Work rate? Attitude? Surplus of small forward types?? I am not saying Dees need to bring him but it shows how clubs are making tough calls and even talented youngsters who don’t show enough development , can and will be delisted. Dees are holding a few on the list in the hope that they will develop … but perhaps we should be making tougher decisions. Maybe next year.

@Adam The God that’s bold and not sure it would be enough to entice the Giants. More likely Hotton might be gone by live pick 15 but agree it’s possible. Hynes yes he would be likely available.

Bo Allan: WA's top draft talent is an AFL captain in waiting A good read, especially… The skipper is uncompromising at the coalface and tenacious in his pursuit of the man. You'll see him sprint off halfback to link play together, then launch himself to smother balls and detour 20 metres to shepherd for a teammate. Style and poise get left at the door as Allan wills the ball forward. When presented with the option of going around or through his opponent, he chooses the latter. It's crash and bash footy at its very best, but the power athlete also possesses genuine top-end speed which makes him an important transition runner when the footy spills free.

I’m comfortable sitting on 5 & 9 thanks very much. We will get two future “aces” for the midfield #5 I think it’s a choice between Lalor , Langford, Smith or FOS. All are future stars imv and MFC will probably have at least one available at 5 (assume Crows get Draper) #9 again I think it’s another midfielder or running type … likely choice between Allan, Lindsay, Travaglia, Smillie I think Armstrong and Tauru are very good youngsters and will be very good footballers. I am preferring to prioritize the need for potential elite next gen midfielders with two picks inside top 10.

Yes I’d be staggered or indeed COMPLETELY amazed if JT chose Armstrong at 5. He’s good but we need high quality midfielders at 5 AND at 9. JT has to back in his prior choices of JVR and Jeffo.

Smokey at “83”… even considering guys like Davidson and Bice, I think SANFL Norwood star Billy Cootee is probably the best mature aged player not currently on an AFL list. Certainly my best pick from the SANFL. He has the right competitive nature. Good skills. Athletic. Can rotate midfield to forward to defence. Certainly stood up under pressure in SANFL GF and in state league interstate games. I thought he was good for Essendon VFL last year and surprised he didn’t get a rookie chance. https://www.afl.com.au/video/1216940/sanfl-showreel-sf1-billy-cootee-highlights?videoId=1216940&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1725772709001

Bo Allan is definitely in the discussion for our pick “9”. He is a very strong midfielder with good strong contested footy in centre clearance and stoppages. Tackles extremely well. Good long left foot kick. Whilst didn’t always hit targets, he also played in 11 games for Peel Thunder in the WAFL seniors above his years and under pressure. His size and athleticism is a huge asset mix. His body size 190cms and shape is a plug and play in today’s AFL World. National Combine testing agility 7.94secs - 4th overall standing vertical jump 72 - 4th overall behind much taller peers running vertical 92 - 3rd overall (Tauru won with 94) 20m sprint at 3 seconds 2km time 6:30 (tbc) I’d be happy to grab him at 9 as an option. (And get under the Eagles feathers 🤣🤣). He is physically ready to play round 1 2025. Can play behind the ball ans a defender and also as a midfielder. He has real competitiveness and attitude to tackle effectively. He’s not perfect. Whilst he can kick it almost 60 metres, shorter decisions by foot need work. Because of MFCSS, only knock is the WA go home factor. Yes I’m still perhaps scarred by Jackson. Thankful and hopeful that we can retain Kozzy, Riv, JVR, McVee & Kolt. JT has shown he picks the best available no matter where they are from and shouldn’t be afraid of Allan’s WA origins. Now for a little controversy … my plays like comparison is … he reminds of Luke Hodge. Maybe not as skilled now, but he could be.

I always liked AMW through his early development and keen to see him progress. Liked his rugby bs ground and competitive streak. Was a small forward who converted to a half back at Casey and showed ability to win and deliver plenty of the footy. At AFL level once promoted, he played more of a lock down type defender role. Allowed McVee to be tried in the midfield. Played 6 games to give him a taste. Not in my starting “22” for round 1 2025 but will prove himself once he’s called up through the year. A big preseason ahead for Andy.

Blake Howes got his debut in 2024 after a frustrating run of injuries over the two prior years. In 2024, Howes played as a mid-tall defender played 16 games averaged 14 disposals per game Imv his best game was shown in the high of 22 possessions in Rd23 win over the suns , including 10 marks a year to settle in and show he belongs 👏👏 Now for 2025 Howes should continue his confidence to develop and become a regular. He fits in. He could either be a floating defender or alternatively might return to his original design as a half forward with good movement, skills, marking and goalkicking. There is a space there with ANB’s departure. He’s athletic. At 192cms, he’d have some aerial ability to be dangerous. I think he can be the new HFF in 2025 and beyond.

I’m comfortable sitting on 5 & 9 thanks very much. We will get two future “aces”

Yes v Stingrsys at the very end of the first quarter he copped a heavy knock in a contest and left the game with a sore knee. Was playing in deep defence as the Stingrays ran riot early. Up to that stage, he’d been quiet with a few turnovers and missed tackles. Disappointing day all around. His game v Murray was probably the most underwhelming. Low possessions. Played defence (long sleeves first half, short sleeves second half to recall) and drifted forward occasionally. Honestly I was looking forward time seeing him but he seemed out of sorts. With little involvement, impact or effort. Maybe it was the swirling breeze but he was nowhere near the contests. The one handed missed tackles were a worry. I can however see the raw ability. Good pace over short distance and reasonable skills. But if you asked me (as an AFL academy player) will he be drafted, I’d say No. Dees are likely to give him the cat B rookie chance to give him a go. There is potential and the cat B listing at the Dees can help him further develop. But imv it’s no certainty.

Riak Andrew is still a late option. Roy George will definitely not get drafted. Not in any universe will that happen. A nice cameo at Casey but he’s nowhere near any AFL level by a long way.

and enjoys a long trip down the Monash or South Eastern or whatever it’s now called !!!!

Ex Casey 2022 premiership player Corey Ellison is leaving Williamstown after two years and going to Frankston.

From my phantom draft rankings post, some potential players who might be available and considered after pick 60… through to rookie listings are : Oliver Warburton. Hbf. Murray. Noah Mraz. CHB. Dandenong. Will Hayes. Mid. WA Claremont. Gabriel Stumpf CHF . Northern. Ned Bowman. HFF. Norwood SA Cody Angove. WA Claremont Patrick Retschko. Hbf/mid. Oakleigh Oliver Depaoli-Kubank. Running mid. Tassie. Luke Kennedy . Mid. Sandringham Kade Herbert. Mid/hff. SA WWT eagles Jett Hasting. Running defender. SA WWT eagles Phoenix Hargrave. HFF/mid. SA Sth Adel Cody Anderson. Mid. Eastern. Lucca Grego. Mid/Hbf. Western. Zak Johnson. Mid. Northern. Jaxon Artemis- running mid. WA Sth Frem Nash King. Mid. Calder Riak Andrew. CHB. Dandenong. Mitch Kirkwood-Scott. Sml def. Sandringham Blake Leidler. Hbf Oakleigh.

Mentha is likely to get added as a Cat B Rookie after the draft. Probably Dees will try to see what he can develop into. I do not think he will get any nomination during the draft. He’s still very raw and needs development and confidence. I thought from what I saw in the later games, he was disappointing in both finals matches versus Bushrangers and Stingrays. Didn’t show me any of exciting pace or ability to impact.

@Nascent Lachie Jacques should go around pick 40. He won’t get past Geelong as he’s probably their number 1 target in this draft. Agree he’s good. Lucca Grego might be the one at “83”. Tough youngster with good skills. Grew up in Qld and has done rugby tackling as a youngster so likes contested work. My preference is Oliver Warburton if he’s available Great name - very eloquent MOTY contender 2024 APS Caulfield Grammar v Brighton Superb year for Bushrangers - 7 games , averaged 27 disposals- including huge game versus Power in wildcard game Very good form for Vic country Dare to dream

@adonski cannot see us picking Armstrong if Langford is available. It’s an easy choice to make if it’s a call between these two players. I’m 100% in for Langford under your scenario.

If Kangas swap 2 and future 2025 1st round FOR Tigers 2024 picks 6,11 1- Rich. Lalor/Smith/Langford 2-**Lions- Ashcroft 3- Rich. Lalor/Smith/Langford 4-Blues. O’Sullivan 5- Crows. Draper 6-Dees. Who’s remaining from Lalor/Smith/Langford 7- Kangas. Tauru 8-**Suns- Lombard 9- St.K Armstrong 10- St.K Smillie 11- Dees. Choice likely between Lindsay/Travaglia/Reid/Allan

I am not supporting drafting Armstrong as I believe MFC needs two high quality midfielders/running players from this draft. Nonetheless I think Armstrong can become a very good future AFL player. From Code Sports … A Geelong fan, Armstrong models his game on Jeremy Cameron and similarly works hard up the ground to provide a marking option. The 195cm forward’s contested marking stood out this year, along with his speed, athleticism and an improved ground ball game. Rival clubs believe Melbourne (pick five) could be first to pounce on Armstrong in next month’s draft, potentially getting in before St Kilda.