Pick 12 discussion.

[Gus]

Would people be upset if we took Blakely at 12? Surprised there hasn't been a bit more discussion about this tbh. Seems a very FJ thing to do :hihi

Honestly I'd be pretty happy with him there, would prefer him over Ellis and a few others anyway. He's been playing good football in the WAFL seniors. Anyone know how he tested at the combine?

It's only his kicking skills that might stop him being talked about as a top 15 pick. He was good through the carnival and he proved he could perform well in the WAFL. His kicking isn't bad but it's a challenge for him over 40metres to be really effective.

 

[pahoffm]

Would people be upset if we took Blakely at 12? Surprised there hasn't been a bit more discussion about this tbh. Seems a very FJ thing to do :hihi

Honestly I'd be pretty happy with him there, would prefer him over Ellis and a few others anyway. He's been playing good football in the WAFL seniors. Anyone know how he tested at the combine?

These are Blakely's WAFL stats.
http://www.wafl.com.au/players/view/4856

He has played all season in the WAFL seniors, which is good for a junior boy.
Of course, they don't reveal the quality of his disposals.

 

[turk-d-tiger]

Wouldnt mind him with our 3rd but dont really want with our 2nd more or less #12

There will be players around these levels that will suprise alot of people

 

[Stylo]

It's only his kicking skills that might stop him being talked about as a top 15 pick. He was good through the carnival and he proved he could perform well in the WAFL. His kicking isn't bad but it's a challenge for him over 40metres to be really effective.

Thanks Gus, do you have his combine results? Specifically sprint and endurance times?

These are Blakely's WAFL stats.
http://www.wafl.com.au/players/view/4856

He has played all season in the WAFL seniors, which is good for a junior boy.
Of course, they don't reveal the quality of his disposals.

Thanks Phanto, good numbers but as you say, they're just numbers. From what I've seen of his performances there he played more outside, despite his strength in congestion, which showcases his versatility IMO

Wouldnt mind him with our 3rd but dont really want with our 2nd more or less #12

There will be players around these levels that will suprise alot of people

Personally I think Blakely is one of those. He may well be the Parker/Sloane of this draft IMO.

 

[bullus_hit]

Not a fan of spending first rounders on pure inside mids unless they have a truly compelling case, by that I mean an Ollie Wines set of numbers packaged together with elite endurance.

Personally I think Blakely is one of those. He may well be the Parker/Sloane of this draft IMO.

Both those guys were picked in the third round, every year quality midfielders bob up in unlikely spots. We have to play the percentages and grab the players with well-rounded games in the first. All of Weller, Ahern & Cockatoo offer that, it just becomes a case of picking the guy who slips out of the top tier.

 

[Stylo]

Not a fan of spending first rounders on pure inside mids unless they have a truly compelling case, by that I mean an Ollie Wines set of numbers packaged together with elite endurance.

Both those guys were picked in the third round, every year quality midfielders bob up in unlikely spots. We have to play the percentages and grab the players with well-rounded games in the first. All of Weller, Ahern & Cockatoo offer that, it just becomes a case of picking the guy who slips out of the top tier.

I'd argue Blakely is a safer bet than all 3 of those guys to make the grade, possibly doesn't have as high a ceiling, but if we're playing the percentages then Blakely would be in consideration surely.

He's not purely inside either, as I mentioned he played mostly outside in the WAFL and put up some good numbers. He has a nicely rounded game IMO and I struggle to see him becoming less than B grade at AFL level.

 

[bullus_hit]

I'd argue Blakely is a safer bet than all 3 of those guys to make the grade, possibly doesn't have as high a ceiling, but if we're playing the percentages then Blakely would be in consideration surely.

He's not purely inside either, as I mentioned he played mostly outside in the WAFL and put up some good numbers. He has a nicely rounded game IMO and I struggle to see him becoming less than B grade at AFL level.

We won't make any inroads unless we grab the potential A graders, if we overlooked Cockatoo for Blakely I think it would be a poor strategic decision. In all likelihood a quality inside mid will be available at 33, even Blakely himself might find himself drifting down the order. We need to lock in pace with our first, everything else should fall into place after that.

 

[Stylo]

We won't make any inroads unless we grab the potential A graders, if we overlooked Cockatoo for Blakely I think it would be a poor strategic decision. In all likelihood a quality inside mid will be available at 33, even Blakely himself might find himself drifting down the order. We need to lock in pace with our first, everything else should fall into place after that.

Yeah fair enough. I agree we need to go out on a limb this year and you and Turk have very nearly sold me on Cockatoo.

I like that at this stage we've heard nothing from the club as to our preference this year except some vague 'best available midfielder' remark. Normally by now we'd have a pretty good idea of who we're interested in but it could be any of about 10 players! Interesting times.

 

[Letsroar]

I don't want to go safe I would rather take a risk on a some one who can move us from top 8 into top 4. At pick 12 getting a real A grader or elite player requires taking a risk. So for me it is Cookatoo provided if he is available

 

[Gus]

Thanks Gus, do you have his combine results? Specifically sprint and endurance times?

He didn't test at the combine but measured in at 188.7cm and 84.5kg. I have his 2013 pre season results but they don't tell the full story.
18 months ago he measured at 184cm and 72kg so he has developed nicely.

 

[Stylo]

He didn't test at the combine but measured in at 188.7cm and 84.5kg. I have his 2013 pre season results but they don't tell the full story.
18 months ago he measured at 184cm and 72kg so he has developed nicely.

Wow he's taller than I thought. Could almost become a Mundy type with those dimensions.

 

[Eat the rich]

Would people be upset if we took Blakely at 12? Surprised there hasn't been a bit more discussion about this tbh. Seems a very FJ thing to do :hihi

Honestly I'd be pretty happy with him there, would prefer him over Ellis and a few others anyway. He's been playing good football in the WAFL seniors. Anyone know how he tested at the combine?

I asked this question over on the 'first 12' thread.

Given that the club has been banging on about an inside mid as a priority, and even looked to trade for a ready made, Blakely's skill set and exposure to senior footy would have him pretty well placed?

Pick 12 is 1st slip in the draft, so if any of the higher fancied picks fall we're in prime position.

However, if they don't, what's left is pretty even out to the mid 20's, and 12 becomes a so so pick. If we're after Blakely's skill set we might have to go early, as he wont be there at our second. The implications of the Trengove/ pick 23 trade were huge.
I like him. Clearance machine, great step in traffic, keeps his feet well and has really good hands. I know the problem is that we can't rotate him forward, but as an inside mid I don't mind what we'd get.

Gus and Bullus both gave reasons against, and I think the penetration of his kicking is the definitive knock. Funnily enough, that was also my impression of Miles's kicking. I'd say his lack of exposed ability overhead would probably count against him more so, as it takes him out of a forward rotation. De Goeys probably got him covered in that respect. But gee, I really like him, and he would be ready to go which must be a prime consideration for us this year if we want to push up the ladder. Miles took a lot of punishment this year.

Interesting that he played outside in the WAFL, I'd like to know how his endurance numbers stack up. I see his brother plays ruck for Swan Districts and is listed at 195/97. Connor at 188 might have a bit to go. At 12 however, he may be a bit of a stretch.

I think the strategy of pace at 12 and inside at 33 is sound, as long as the fast guy can win his own ball as well.

 

[Tiger2]

Not a pick 12 but does anyone see Gowers for us?

 

[Gus]

Gus and Bullus both gave reasons against, and I think the penetration of his kicking is the definitive knock. Funnily enough, that was also my impression of Miles's kicking. I'd say his lack of exposed ability overhead would probably count against him more so, as it takes him out of a forward rotation. De Goeys probably got him covered in that respect. But gee, I really like him, and he would be ready to go which must be a prime consideration for us this year if we want to push up the ladder. Miles took a lot of punishment this year.

I think the strategy of pace at 12 and inside at 33 is sound, as long as the fast guy can win his own ball as well.

Just on that I think his kicking can improve a bit but it's not a real weakness more of a challenge for him to fix. He has developed so much in the last 12 or 18 months it's a fair assessment that says he will continue that path. He has a really good footy IQ and quickly adapts to what is asked of him and this year worked hard on his run and spread efforts. I don't want to mislead anyone but his kicking over 40mtrs might be a challenge now but I don't think it's a long term problem for him. It's a slight limit and something to consider.
He was named one of the best in a semi final loss to East Fremantle so he can already mix it with the men. There are no doubt quicker and more x factor options available this year but if you want a player that has plenty of scope for further improvement and one that will make the right decisions then Blakely is a first round candidate. I can't see him sliding past mid 20's and have him as a late first round pick.

He won't be there at 33 and I don't think he would make it far into the 2nd round if he is not selected beforehand.

 

[Gus]

Not a pick 12 but does anyone see Gowers for us?

Good steady player who is a very good runner. He tested really well for his jumping abilities (top 15%) and his sprint times were in the top 10% bracket. He didn't do all the tests so I think that might work against him.

Possibly more of a rookie list selection given so many clubs don't seem to be prepared to dig deep this year.

 

[Eat the rich]

Thanks Gus, appreciated.

 

[Eat the rich]

Just on kicking over 40m with efficiency and penetration, although it would be considered a prerequisite for AFL, I really hope over our preseason the ability for our players to kick with efficiency over 25- 35m is really worked on. It's one of the major reasons a team like Hawthorn move the ball so quickly with few turnovers. Their ability to identify and hit targets to advantage over this range is exceptional.

 

[Mr Brightside]

Have we been linked to anybody?

 

[bullus_hit]

Massive curve ball being thrown, Peter Wright could potentially slide out of the top ten. All reports are stating GWS are cooling & may opt for Lever, Marchbank or Goddard.

 

[Stylo]

Massive curve ball being thrown, Peter Wright could potentially slide out of the top ten. All reports are stating GWS are cooling & may opt for Lever, Marchbank or Goddard.

Surely wouldn't get past the Cats.

I'm hearing GWS are very keen on Pickett and Ahern, and WCE on Cockatoo.

An order of:

1. Petracca
2. Brayshaw
3. McCartin
4. Lever
5. Laverde
6. Ahern
7. Pickett
8. Durdin
9. Moore
10. Wright
11. Cockatoo
12. Weller

Is not inconceivable.... Some talk Langford or even De Goey could be headed to the Pies too.