I don't watch juniors much, if at all anymore. No time.The difference is that RCD never found much of the ball in the U18s, which continued into his AFL career. U18's averaged 15 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles and 0.4 goals
For the U18 championship, it was even less, Ave 12 disposals, 1.7 marks, 3 tackles and 0.3 goals
Smillie finds the ball in the 18's Ave 24 disposals, 4 marks, 3.5 tackles and 1.3 goal
For the championships, he was ok without being dominant; Ave 19.5 disposals, 3 marks, 3.5 tackles and 0.3 goals
Another good attribute is that Smillie has a lovely kick on him and is a good decision-maker.
I think based on our expected picks. eg: 1, 3 and 6 well depending on North even though I believe they will go best available and grab a mid. Well, I hope they go Harry Armstrong which would give us a trio of FOS /Jagga and Smillie or FOS /Jagga and Langford, or FOS /Jagga and Lalor. The possibilities are endless.
But does some of the drop off for Smillie at state level occur because they need to spread game time across more individuals. Also potentially not as much time on ball?
My biggest concern with guys like him and RCD is how much of their contested ball because they're bigger than others, and how much is talent?