If we choose Hobbs with our first I think we get a player who plays like Joel Selwood, circa 2021.
Fire in the belly and plenty of inside skills but can’t keep up when it moves out side.
The stand rule puts a premium on midfielders who have great speed and can kick with great accuracy.
More players in this mould are going to be preferred to those who are on the slow side, which will make it even more difficult for players like Hobbs to find a suitable match up when defending.
We should be shooting for the spectacular. Three of Erasmus, Johnson, Sonsie, Fejo or Butler in that order, would be ideal. Four would be perfect.
Yes true the stand on the mark rule puts a premium on good foot skills, speed is a bonus that Melbourne exploited perfectly, the cats have sublime foot skills across the park and exploited the rule to a tee, but don't have the speed to match. Port also don't have the quickest mids but they win the ball and are generally good ball users.
Hobbs has very good foot skills, his breakaway speed from a contest is fine. Straight-line speed is ok, he's not super fast but he ain't slow.
Clearances and winning the ball is No 1 and Petracca and Oliver got the ball moving forward more times than not. Hobbs immediately improves us in this area.
If Hobbs is off the table, then Erasmus or Johnson id be more than happy with. Butler, I rate highly. Ronald Fejo Jnr is an excitement machine with pace to match.
There is so much talent up to the 30's that if we miss on one player others will be waiting in the wings. One of Hobbs, Erasmus, Johnson, Gibcus , Rachele makes it to our first pick.
Pick 17 Butler, Sonsie, Goater, Taylor, Van Rooyen again one will get to us. 2nd rounders, Wilmot, Murley, MacDonald, Howes, Fego, Tom Brown, Williams, Bazzo, Alleer Clarke, Sheldrick etc
I am super excited about this draft and can't wait for it to arrive.
Not sure how much of Hobbs you have seen but the first vid goes for almost 5 mins, the 2nd a min and a half. I like his work around the contest and gets out of heavy congestion which is another fine attribute. Also has good composure with ball in hand and doesn't mind kicking a goal.
I'd say he has a bit off Selwood and Wines about him and If he's half as good as them we'll have a beauty on our hands.