2023 Draft Thread. | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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2023 Draft Thread.

Toorak Demons now have picks 6 and 11.

Have to think about it but on the surface of things, Swans seem to have landed Grundy at unders.

I reckon they are looking at talls. I think they are aiming for Caddy and O'Sullivan.
 
Was also curious to see how Gourdis tested - 2.83sec/20m, that's just another reminder to tread with caution when looking at these sprint times.
There's a guy I think we failed.
I spoke to him for quite a while one day, and he mentioned Dimma kept trying to change him to be something he wasn't. I reckon6 Dave disconnected from the club because he felt set up to fail, rather than supported to succeed.
Still didn't make him a worse kick off the footy, but our development wasn't at its best back then imo.
 
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Maybe O’Sullivan but Caddy on top of Van Rooyen and Jefferson ?

I guess its a bit of hedging your bets.

The other scenario is, do they try and go for Harley Reid, pick 6, 11 and a future 1st? Is that enough?
 
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I guess its a bit of hedging your bets.

The other scenario is, do they try and go for Harley Reid, pick 6, 11 and a future 1st? Is that enough?
Wet Coke supposedly want Curtin, if true none of those picks are high enough to get him.
 
Just scrap the draft apprantly the experts have only 7 kids currently good enough for the AFL and they will be shocked if a club uses a pick past 50.
Cancel all Auskick
Cancel all junior football leagues
Don't bother tuning in late November because there's only 7 good kids.
 
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I've said it before but I'm gunna say it again:

1) the old this-draft-is-pissweak-but-there-are-a-dozen-Dustys-next-year Trick, that the third time I've fallen for that this month. Seriously, it gets said most years, sometimes they are right, but its more that a busted clock is right twice a day.

2) Even if this draft is pissweak, and it might be, the fact that only 50 players are being taken, lets be very clear here, that is not in and of itself an indicator of that. I think if you assemble all the evidence and analyse it, its just a reflection that the odds of finding a player after the third round are very long, always have been, always will be. Clubs are looking at other ways to get spare parts and depth players, its just the smart, percentage approach that probably should have happened 5 or 10 years ago.

3) This draft might be weak, or it might just be harder to analyse due to interrupted development due to Covid, and/or the dominance of the Allies upsetting the status quo. Just one of many factors: The Vic sides were down, Vic had the worst lockdowns during critical development years of the current Vic crop. Cream rises to the top, but might be harder than usual to spot.
 
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I think in a few years time we will sit back and say how did x player get taken so late in the draft.

Speaking from experience these kids were severely effected by lockdown. They’re development stuffed. There will be late bloomers. They might be overlooked now but in time they will re-enter the system.
 
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HTF did GC turn Pick 4 (2000 points) into 4000+ points?

Thats water into wine *smile*.

We were a big chance to pinch will graham and or nick williams but not much chance now.

Get *smile* bulldogs.
 
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HTF did GC turn Pick 4 (2000 points) into 4000+ points?

Thats water into wine *smile*.

We were a big chance to pinch will graham and or nick williams but not much chance now.

Get *smile* bulldogs.
AND they've got additional first rounders for next year.

This is GC-GWS 2010 compromised draft type stuff.

It's *smile*.
 
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Screwing large supporter bases to prop up the minnows will come back to bite them on the ass.
Lose us and they’ve bitten the hand that feeds them
 
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I've said it before but I'm gunna say it again:

1) the old this-draft-is-pissweak-but-there-are-a-dozen-Dustys-next-year Trick, that the third time I've fallen for that this month. Seriously, it gets said most years, sometimes they are right, but its more that a busted clock is right twice a day.

2) Even if this draft is pissweak, and it might be, the fact that only 50 players are being taken, lets be very clear here, that is not in and of itself an indicator of that. I think if you assemble all the evidence and analyse it, its just a reflection that the odds of finding a player after the third round are very long, always have been, always will be. Clubs are looking at other ways to get spare parts and depth players, its just the smart, percentage approach that probably should have happened 5 or 10 years ago.

3) This draft might be weak, or it might just be harder to analyse due to interrupted development due to Covid, and/or the dominance of the Allies upsetting the status quo. Just one of many factors: The Vic sides were down, Vic had the worst lockdowns during critical development years of the current Vic crop. Cream rises to the top, but might be harder than usual to spot.
I always find it interesting that we pay so much attention to the pundits version of a strong draft or a weak draft. Before it happens.

Everyone matures at a different rate. Plus there have been plenty of top 20 failures that Shifty Sheehan has spoken about in glowing terms prior to and on draft night balanced out by the successful picks in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s plus the Kayne Lamberts, that the system overlooked.

It’s only with hindsight that a strong draft becomes that. Or not.
 
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Herald Suns top 40 AFL draft rankings

The countdown is on to next month’s AFL National Draft, which is now less than six weeks away.
Following last weekend’s draft combine, draft experts Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten put their heads together to come up their October rankings of the top 40 prospects. And they don’t agree on every pick.

TOP 40 CONSENSUS RANKINGS​

40. JACK DELEAN

South Adelaide/SA, Forward, 182cm, 77kg

Chris Cavanagh’s Ranking – 38:
A lively goalkicking forward with plenty of tricks, his best this year was great but he also went missing at times which frustrated some. That said, he kicked five goals across three senior SANFL matches in the back end of the year after booting nine majors from four matches for his state at the national championships.
Dan Batten’s Ranking — Didn’t quite make the cut for me. Certainly has some exciting traits as a small forward but there are question marks over his workrate and consistency.


39. CLAY HALL

Peel Thunder/WA, Midfielder, 189cm, 87kg

CC – 40:
A professional on and off the field who brings great work ethic and ticks a lot of boxes. The son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek, it wouldn’t surprise if the midfielder was snapped up in the second round.
DB – 35: The All-Australian won possessions at will on the inside at the national championships and showed good signs at WAFL level. A great size but his kicking and decision making lets him down at times.

38. CAIDEN CLEARY

Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT, Midfielder, 182cm, 79kg

CC – 33:
While his disposal might not always be perfect, he plays with plenty of heart and had an eye-catching national championships for the Allies as a midfield bull. Also showed plenty in a couple of VFL games for the Swans.
DB – 40: Sneaks into my top 40. A tough as nails two-way midfielder who tackles like his life depends on it. Performed strongly for the AFL Academy earlier in the year but another midfielder who lacks polish.


37. KOEN SANCHEZ

East Fremantle/WA, Forward/Midfielder, 177cm, 69kg

CC – 35:
A speedy half-forward or wingman who had an eye-catching national championships for WA. Brings great speed and energy, has clean hands and looks ready to go at the next level across half-forward.
DB – 37: See some similarities to Giant Brent Daniels here. A buzzing small forward who is clean below his knees and can win his own footy up the ground.


36. ANGUS HASTIE

Geelong Falcons/VIC, Defender, 190cm, 74kg

CC – Unranked:
Definitely around the mark to be a potential second-round pick. Had a solid year down back for the Falcons and with Vic Country in the national championships.
DB – 28: Hastie takes the game on with his dashing run and is also extremely versatile as a defender – doing jobs on top-10 talent Nate Caddy (193cm) and smalls like Rebels forward Lachie Charleson (176cm) this year. That mix is made for the modern game.

35. ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY

Claremont/WA, Defender/Ruck, 196cm, 89kg

CC – 36:
Didn’t do his chances of being a second-round pick any harm at the draft combine with some great results. An athletic key defender who also looked good in the ruck in the final rounds of the season and was best-on-ground in the WAFL Colts grand final with 22 disposals and 18 hit-outs.
DB – 30: Zakostelky is raw given has only been playing footy for a few years. But with his exciting athletic make-up, his upside is enormous. Won the best-on-ground medal in the Colts grand final where he won a whopping 18 contested possessions as a ruckman and showed off his intercepting as a key defender for WA.
 
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34. JOEL FREIJAH

GWV Rebels/VIC, Wing, 190cm, 88kg

CC – 26:
There are some knocks on his willingness to go after the hard ball, but the wingman runs elite patterns, is a good size, kicks the ball well and is generally clean and composed. He can also push forward and kick a goal.

DB – 38: Freijah works tirelessly up and down the wing and the stats might not always reflect his influence. Burst onto the radar with six goals from 26 disposals and 10 marks early in the year, but his contested game will need to improve at the next level

33. ASHTON MOIR

Glenelg/SA, Forward, 187cm, 85kg

CC – 30:
There is not a lot of evidence from this year as to why Moir should be picked up – especially this high. However, clubs will find it hard to ignore the talent from this silky forward who can kick on both feet.

DB – 31: Moir appeared destined to be a top-five pick at the start of the year but has slid significantly after an underwhelming top-age year where his competitiveness has been questioned. But there is no doubting his freakish talent, being able to kick 50m on both sides of his body. Could prove to be a massive steal and a club could do worse than to take a punt on him.

32. LOGAN MORRIS

Western Jets/VIC, Forward, 191cm, 90kg

CC – 28:
Hard to forget his 16-disposal, 11-mark and 4-goal game against Western Australia at the national championships. A strong-marking mid-sized forward in the Tim Membrey mould who is generally an accurate shot on goal.

DB – 32: Just kept getting the job done for the struggling Western Jets with 30 goals for the season, with seven hauls of three or more in his 10 games. Kicked two on VFL debut for Werribee and his eye-catching four goal haul at the national champs put his vice-like hands on full display.

31. COOPER SIMPSON

Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 182cm

CC – 32:
Unfortunately missed a chunk of the season including the national championships through injury, but is a professional midfielder with pace, composure and nice finishing skills and had a strong finish to the season at Dandenong.

DB – 26: A forgotten man after an injury sidelined him for most of the back-end of the year, but his two goals and 20 disposals in his final game of the season was a stern reminder of his class and forward-half impact. Elusive in traffic and debuted at VFL level this season.

30. LUAMON LUAL

GWV Rebels/VIC, Defender, 181cm, 79kg

CC – 38:
An athletic smaller defender who is very good one-on-one and has the speed and agility to go with some of the best small forwards around. Can also bring some run and bounce off halfback and his character and leadership is highly rated.

DB – 21: Have him higher than some might. Big fan of his defensive game as a stopper and his superb composure and decision making allows him to impact the game offensively. Also an outstanding character who has done it all while commuting from Warrnambool
 
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29. LANCE COLLARD

Subiaco/WA/West Coast NGA, Forward, 180cm, 65kg

CC – 34:
Tied to West Coast’s Next Generation Academy, but another player who is not looking like getting past pick 40 anymore. Had a strong finish to the season, in the forward half for Subiaco’s Colts, including kicking 10 goals across two finals.

DB – 24: Collard has freakish ability as a small forward, with his purple patch to finish the season featuring a litany of dazzling goals: selling candy, snaps from the boundary, the lot. The Eagles academy talent would be a steal for the Eagles if he slips past pick 40.

28. WILL GREEN

Northern Knights/VIC, Ruck, 204cm, 93kg

CC – 22:
A former junior cricket star who has quickly risen within since joining the AFL pathway programs in 2021. Co-captained the Knights this year and could be anything given his quality tap-work, size and sound fundamentals.

DB – 36: Got better as the year went on and clearly has plenty of athleticism for a player his size. Will take time as he strengthens his body.

27. MITCHELL EDWARDS

Peel Thunder/WA, Ruck, 206cm, 89kg

CC – 24:
A huge ruckman who has impressive craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and is quite mobile for his size. Still has to put some weight on his frame, but is an exciting prospect from the west.

DB – 33: Would have liked to see more at national level from Edwards, but he is probably the next ruckman in the pool behind Ethan Read.

26. CHARLIE EDWARDS

Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Midfielder, 191cm, 85kg

CC – 27:
Has been another big bolter in the back half of the year. Started the season at halfback for Sandringham Dragons but went into the midfield in the second half of the year and starred. Is a real leg-driver and drives the ball forward by foot.

DB – 29: Shot up draft boards to finish the year after moving into the midfield for the Sandringham Dragons. His speed from congestion and height gives him serious potential in a draft class lacking midfield depth, and he can also play off halfback.

25. ARCHER REID

Gippsland Power/VIC, Forward/ruck, 203cm, 94kg

CC – 21:
His older brother Zach is a key forward at Essendon, but Archer plays at the other end. His weapon is his marking ability up forward, but he also developed his ruck craft nicely in the back end of the year with Gippsland.

DB – 34: A tough one to place. Is strong overhead and showed he can perform strongly as a forward and second ruckman, but was a touch inconsistent throughout the year.
 
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24. GEORGE STEVENS

GWV Rebels/VIC, Midfielder, 189cm, 101kg

CC – 31:
An intriguing prospect. I’m a big fan – as some clubs are – but others say he is too slow. He was arguably Geelong’s best player in one of his VFL games for the Cats this year though, is tough, clean and a decent kick. As ready-made a prospect as you will find.

DB – 23: One of the most polarising players in the draft class. Has worked tirelessly to address concerns over his speed and his high-end performances can’t be ignored in my view, averaging 28.8 disposals and 160 SuperCoach ranking points per game for the Rebels. Showed he can play as contested ball-winner or off halfback with his kicking skills, and can impact from the get-go with his ready-made frame.

23. TEW JIATH

Gippsland Power/VIC/Hawthorn NGA, Defender, 188cm, 72kg

CC – 29:
The younger brother of Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath was a big bolter in the second half of the season. He’s tied to Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy, but it’s hard to see the Hawks landing him through that avenue now given the athletic defender looks certain to be a top-40 pick.

DB – 25: Ahead of his brother, Changkuoth, at the same age – and we saw how steep his development was from the point he was drafted. A serious bolter after eye-catching finish to the season where his intercepting, turn of step and composure shone through. Would be a surprise to see the Hawks nab him outside the 40.

22. ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Tasmania Devils/TAS, Defender, 194cm, 91kg

CC – 25:
Was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the season for a “dumb” mistake, but made a massive impact down back in the second half of the year. Also featured forward and kicked two goals in one game for the Allies at the national championships and is a booming kick of the footy.

DB – 27: What an incredible turnaround it’s been after a 10-week club imposed suspension for a drinking related indiscretion. It’s rare that a player standing 194cm can kick goals from 55m off a couple of steps and moves as well as he can.

21. ARCHIE ROBERTS

Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Defender, 184cm, 79kg

CC – 20:
A rebounding left-foot halfback who didn’t put a foot wrong this season. Won two flags with his school team at Haileybury and also the Sandringham Dragons. A strong runner who loves to break the lines.

DB – 22: Reliable halfback who constantly provides run from behind and has a trusty left boot. Had a consistent season at all levels this year and has great composure.

20. HARRY DeMATTIA

Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 185cm, 78kg

CC – 23:
Clubs tend to like dual-sport athletes and DeMattia has represented Victoria in cricket. He’s got explosive speed, serious agility and clean hands. Can be deployed across a range of positions.

DB – 17: AFL clubs would be relieved he chose footy over his glittering cricket career. Screams future captain and his speed and footskills will allow clubs to deploy him all over the ground, impressing in a variety of different roles this year.
 
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19. WILL MCCABE

Central Districts/SA/Hawthorn father-son, Defender, 197cm, 86kg

CC – 19:
Missed a chunk of the season with a foot injury but returned for a semi-final late in the season and had an impact. The Hawthorn father-son prospect reads the ball well, is athletic and can play tall or small.

DB – 19: Reads the play to perfection and uses it just as well by foot. Seven intercept marks on SANFL Reserves debut for Central Districts underlined the potential of the Hawks father-son.

18. RILEY HARDEMAN

Swan Districts/WA, Defender, 185cm, 75kg

CC – 15:
A nice left-footed rebounding defender who captained Western Australia at the national championships. His speed and booming and accurate kick are features of his game.

DB - 20: His elite kicking, speed and reading of the play at his size is an attractive combination for a side looking for a rebounding defender.

17. JAMES LEAKE

Tasmania Devils/TAS, Defender, 188cm

CC – 18:
A medium-sized rebounding defender with strong intercepting abilities, who makes good decisions when he wins the ball back. But also had a serious impact when he went forward late in the year for the Devils.

DB – 16: The Tasmanian swingman can turn a game at either end with his vice-like hands, massive leap and speed off the mark. Impressed at national level for the Allies down back and kicked 12 goals in the space of three games for Devils late in the year.

16. KOLTYN THOLSTRUP

Subiaco/WA, Forward, 186cm, 86kg

CC – 16:
Impressed in the 2km time trial and agility tests at the draft combine, showing he has the ability to progress from a half-forward to dynamic midfielder in time. Brings a fierce competitive edge and played some regular senior football in the WAFL this year.

DB – 18: Has plenty of swagger and X-Factor but he also does the hard things, restricting dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton to 12 SuperCoach ranking points in a tagging job in the WAFL. Donning a bright gold pair of visors atop his shaggy mullet at the combine, Tholstrup is sure to be a fan favourite wherever he goes.

15. CALEB WINDSOR

Eastern Ranges/VIC, Wing, 184cm

CC – 17:
A wingman with pace to burn, it was no surprise to see him place third in the 20m sprint at the draft combine. Works hard and holds his lanes well as a wingman, but also spent some time as an inside midfielder at the national championships.

DB – 14: Has risen in estimations as the year has gone on as an athletically gifted wingman who is creative and efficient with ball in hand. Glides across the ground and then hits his opponents with a lightning burst of speed.
 
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14. JORDAN CROFT

Calder Cannons/VIC/Bulldogs father-son, Forward, 200cm, 81kg

CC – 13:
An elite runner for a 200cm key forward, the Western Bulldogs father-son prospect prides himself on working hard up the ground and being a real presence in the air. Grew up idolising Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton and could soon join them at the Kennel.

DB – 15: Another who will need a few pre-seasons to build size but his leap, strong contested marking and elite endurance is an exciting combination. Where the Bulldogs father-son fits in alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the big question.

13. OLLIE MURPHY

Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Defender, 200cm, 85kg

CC – 14:
The key defender has emerged out of nowhere to firm as a first-round prospect this year. Is competitive and rose to some big challenges in the under-18 national championships to win Vic Metro’s MVP award.

DB – 13: Murphy will take time, but a 200cm interceptor with a huge tank and exquisite skills will definitely be worth the wait.

12. DARCY WILSON

Murray Bushrangers/VIC, Wing/forward, 185cm, 74cm

CC – 12:
A wingman who can seriously run, Wilson finished a close second in the 2km time trial at the draft combine. Is also a thumping kick and regularly pushed forward to hit the scoreboard this season.

DB – 12: A running machine with a massive leap, Wilson finished first in the running vertical jump and second in the 2km time trial. Can slot in on a wing or off a half-forward flank, where he can work up the ground and be seriously dangerous around goal.

11. JAKE ROGERS

Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Midfielder/forward, 171cm

CC – 11:
A ball-winning midfielder who has incredibly clean hands and has drawn comparisons to Touk Miller. Is dynamic, has good speed and had a brilliant season before suffering a back injury at the tail end of the year.

DB – 11: At 170cm, you need to have some elite traits and he has got those in spades with his speed, agility, and super clean hands below his knees. Dominated in both AFL Academy games against senior opposition, suggesting he can crack into the Suns forward line next year. And he should be used through the midfield in the future.
 
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