Just went over the footage for both Sheed & Taylor so I thought I might do a bit of an in depth analysis on both players.
Dom Sheed
There's no denying that Sheed is as cool as a cucumber when delivering by foot. At the champs his goal-kicking was particularly notable in that he managed to showcase a fine array of party tricks - snaps from the boundary, long bombs from on the 50metre line (under pressure) and some calm and composed set shots when the heat was on. In general play he is as a methodical as a surgeon, he creates space and usually sets up the play like a 5-Star general. As far as decision-making is concerned, Sheed is close to being top of the class, whether it be short kicking to advantage, or kicking long under immense pressure. Sheed has been likened to Simon Black and it's easy to see why - much like Black he can hang on to the ball and spot up a target using his outstanding peripheral vision, this usually results in a 25-35 metre pass, but he overwhelmingly finds his mark, setting up his team for a forward thrust or a shot on goal. At the Champs he lead the way for inside 50's and was instrumental in taking WA to the final.
If there is any criticism to be leveled at Sheed, it's that he is particularly reliant on his left shoe. As good as he is at finding space, it's an area which may lead to a veneer of predictability. This could become an issue at the highest level if opponents begin to corral and box him in as they anticipate his first move. He doesn't possess huge break-away pace so he may find himself unable to pierce a strongly manned defence. However he does possess excellent agility so more often than not, he'll be able to find a man in a neutral to marginally offensive position. It's for this reason he may be considered as a good kick but one who may be lacking in some hurt factor.
Sheed thoroughly deserves his first round billing and shows all the hallmarks of an AFL quality player. His inside game is top notch, maybe not to the level of Matt Crouch, but he is more than capable of winning clearances and utilising effective delivery from the ruckman. At WAFL level, he’s adopted a more outside role as he comes to grips with the bigger bodies, but has still managed to moderately influence games with an average of 14 possessions over 4 matches.
Defensively, Sheed is still a work in progress. At the u/18 carnival, at Colts level and in the WAFL, he has averaged just one tackle a game. Whilst one shouldn’t place overwhelming emphasis on this weakness, it still remains an area that needs work. Given that Sheed doesn’t represent a player whose flexibility would be considered a selling point, he’ll need lift his defensive work in order to break into any established midfield. At a lowly club such as Melbourne, he would be guaranteed an early AFL debut, but any top-end club may prefer to hold him back as he adds another dimension to an already impressive arsenal.
From a leadership perspective, Sheed gains top marks. He’s the captain of WA so it should be no surprise that he’s considered a perfect candidate for an AFL career, but this equates to little unless it is backed up by actions on the field. Walking away as a Larke medalist is an emphatic way to stamp one’s leadership credentials.
Aerobically and overall fitness levels can also been seen as a plus for Sheed. He can already run out games and his sprint times would have alleviated any fears that he’s a standard plodder. His body type also looks well suited to any rigorous weight regime.
As Francis Jackson weighs up the merits of Dom Sheed, he’ll no doubt be ticking off most of the critical boxes for AFL adaptability. Sheed is almost certain to be drafted in the first round because he is a safe as houses when it comes to a lengthy career. Just how high he can go will be at the forefront of discussions. I’m tipping that Sheed will form part of any solid midfield but may fall a little short of becoming an absolute game-breaker. If he can improve his defensive side and develop a bit more of an attacking mindset, then we could see the next Simon Black. Otherwise he’ll be the 4th or 5th ranked midfielder in a top four quality side.
Lewis Taylor
Lewis Taylor is as genuine a rover as you’re likely to see in this year’s draft class. He’s short and stocky and has the zippiness of a Dale Weightman in his hey-day. This largely comes down to his terrific burst of speed from a stationary position. Taylor is the guy who will suddenly emerge from an ugly scrum and dart away, usually with an intention to bounce his way down the field and into forward 50. He might be pint sized but he’s also strong and agile, and is genuinely dual-sided making him a very dangerous proposition around goals. Many including Taylor himself, liken his game style to Boomer Harvey, and I certainly have to agree on that front.
When analyzing Taylor’s skill set, it’s important to judge him from what a 173cm can feasibly accomplish, and not what he may deliver if he was 2 inches taller. It’s clear that smalls often get the cold shoulder but there’s still a role at AFL level if you’re good enough. Luke Dahlhaus, Dion Prestia, Devon Smith, Nathan Hrovat & Ben Kennedy all made and impression in their first year and I would rank Taylor ahead of all those guys barring Prestia.
Taylor’s main strengths lie in his tenacious desire to win contested possession and win clearances in heavy congestion. He does it with so much regularity that it would seem a given that he could take this game to the next level. He was the TAC player of the year on the back of 7 games of 30+ disposals, and he backed that up at the u/18’s carnival with AA honours and a 24 possession average. His disposal efficiency playing for Vic Country was exceptional coming in at 78% and his kicking efficiency throughout the season has remained in the high 60’s.
Looking at potential scoreboard pressure, I think Taylor could excel in the role of forward pocket and crumbing rover. His 2013 numbers were a little down from the previous year but this was in part, due to fulfilling his duties further up the ground. Despite this, all the attributes are there for him to become a viable goal kicker. He produced a ripping dribbling goal at the carnival and in 2012 averaged over a goal a match at TAC level. Coaches looking to blood him in 2014 would recognize his strong ability to mop up from spillages and fire from both pins. His ability to apply defensive pressure may be a work in progress but he still averages 2 tackles a game and has shown he can produce big performances such as his 7 tackle game against Oakleigh Charges.
Despite his excellent kicking credentials, Taylor could still improve his decision-making when starved of room to move. He will often just attempt a quick kick away instead of measuring his options with a little more composure. In situations where he does create an opening and burst through the lines, his decision-making is generally outstanding and whether it be short or long, his kicks usually find their target.
If the Richmond Football Club are serious about their want of a genuine goal-kicking rover then they need look no further than Lewis Taylor. He’s a club and state captain, a fearless competitor and a player who possesses explosive pace to go with all his other fine attributes. If Francis Jackson decides to go down a different path, I don’t expect him to slide beyond Geelong who have an intimate knowledge of the Geelong Falcon captain. Michael Turner has put him on par with Joel Selwood at an equivalent age and Kevin Sheehan has labeled him Brent Harvey’s heir apparent. Fine praise indeed.
