spirit of norm smith

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.

Wow. Thats a different direction. Smith and Lindsay … of course if they were available. Both with elite skills but are lightly built and would be physically challenged to play a midfield role in their first year (whereas bigger mids such as players like Lalor, Langford, Smillie could step in round 1 in 2025) . I still prefer Langford at 5 but it would be a tough decision if Smith was available 🤔🤔🤔

Of the 2022 team, 5/6 Casey listed premiership players are gone from the club, and 3/4 Casey listed emergencies are gone. Only Valentine and Bell remain and they hardly played in ‘24.

Agreed. Get ready for Saturday 4:35pm games, Sunday 1.10pm and Sunday 3:20pm. Very few Friday or Saturday night games. It’s the interstate scheduling and short turnaround games that will probably be the horror show for us.

JT might go with a youngster who shows definite AFL qualities in his footy IQ, goal sense, pace and run as well as his ability to produce the special. I’d recommend Ned Bowman might fit the mould. Definitely has some X factor. His classic “screamer” mark certainly showed his talent. He’s not laconic but hard working and talented. Draft combine results also impressed. Ran flat 3.0secs in 20 metre sprint to show his pace (top 20 ranked) and I think he did a 6:35 in the 2km trial. Ned Bowman shapes as a potential available later draft pick and could appeal for the Dees.

Not sure if this got posted from the Age https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/pick-a-winner-who-your-team-will-target-in-the-afl-draft-20241021-p5kjy5.html Melbourne may not place a bid on Essendon’s NGA prospect Isaac Kako after trading for the Bombers’ pick nine. Midfielders Harvey Langford, Sid Draper and Josh Smillie could get through to their first selection, while key forward Harry Armstrong, defenders Alix Tauru and Luke Trainor, and classy midfielder Xavier Lindsay might be in the mix at their second pick

Thanks @Pennant St Dee Twomey must be looking through the combine results in more detail too !!!

FFS. If he kicks a bag against MFC on Kings birthday… then [censored], another MFC [censored] up

Do we bid on Lombard at our pick? He’s a talent and Suns need to pay up. Assume Suns (guaranteed) to match it and would cost them a decent points bounty. Not sure why clubs delay in bids… surely Ashcroft gets bid at 2 or 3, Lombard at 5 or 6, Kako at 10 or 11, Marshall at 13 or 14 and Camporeale at 15 or 16. Make the clubs pay the right rate or higher to get these “prioritized” youngsters.

It wouldn’t surprise if we picked Bo Allan at 9. He’s got lots of very good AFL qualities. It would certainly cause an outcry by the Eagles fans who all think they perfectly traded out “3” to get Baker and then steal Allan back at “12” . If he’s gone, there is no other home grown talent out of the West at this level.

Sorry …

https://t.co/i4JOO2tqPi a good read on Langford as well as Stingrays teammate Cooper Hynes