Pick 12 discussion.

[Tigerdog]

Steele is an Academy selection at 23 for GWS

 

[evo]

Steele is an Academy selection at 23 for GWS

oh, thanks

 

[FistFullOfDollars]

But still very outside, he hasn't played on the ball at state level or at VFL level. I don't like making assumptions about late season TAC form, Lennon had one of the most impressive 4 weeks at the tail end of last year, Vlastuin also put in some huge performances. Does that make them guaranteed midfielders? Absolutely not, you don't learn to be a midfielder in half a dozen games, against boys no less.

Duggan really struggled against Collingwood reserves, he is a long way from joining the rotations. He will have a good career but he will spend 2-3 years in defence, he's the perfect replacement for Newman if we want to be realistic. That isn't necessarily a bad thing but I question whether it should be our top priority.

For me it has to be either Weller or Cockatoo, either will do, Wright would be great but he won't get past Geelong in my opinion. Weller is also likely to go to West Coast. That leaves us Ellis or Cockatoo, presuming GC take Duggan. The choice coudn't be easier in that situation.

Macrae and Bontempelli are guys who played as midfielders after the champs against "boys" who transistioned very well to AFL level.

 

[bullus_hit]

Macrae and Bontempelli are guys who played as midfielders after the champs against "boys" who transistioned very well to AFL level.

Bontempelli was still growing, he's effectively a 194cm utility now and could feasibly play in a James Hird type role, at the time I mentioned Scott Lucas as a comparison but even that was selling him short. One thing that did strike me at the carnival was Bonti's run and carry game, he did a lot of damage running through the wings and delivering into the forward 50. His carnival was better than Duggans.

As for Macrae, he had star quality. Here's my review from 2012.

Jackson Macrae - He's a diifferent breed to some of the other onballers vying for a top ten spot because he's not necessarily a tough inside extracter in the mould of Wines, Viney and Vlastuin. Where he does excel is in his ability to rack up big possession tallies and use the ball in a calm and methodical manner. He's the type of player who gives the impression of having that extra time to dispose of the ball and is generally clean with both his kicking and handballing. Unlike Vlastuin, Macrae rarely amasses less than 20 possessions a game. Out of a possible 15 appearances for Oakleigh Charges, he achieved the feat on 14 occasions and was named in the best on 7 occasions. Jackson is also a noted goal kicker having hit the scoreboard on 9 seperate occasions for a season total of 15 goals.

Any player that performs well on a big occasion like the TAC grand final is sure to attract some welcome attention and Macrae's matchwinning performance would have had many recruiters sitting up and taking notice. His 26 touches also included a game clinching point in the dying seconds of the game, and far from being a routine shot on goal, Macrae was tucked deep in the pocket and only narrowly missed what would have been a terrific goal. This came off the back of a stellar 3 goal display the week before in which he chalked up 30 touches and was deemed BOG. His form at the national championships was also impressive and he was particularly unlucky not to be named in the AA team. His 6 goal performance against Tasmania just confirmed his credentials as a dangerous goal kicking option and his 44 possessions in a game for Carey Grammar merely confirmed his reputation as a high production midfielder.

As far as Richmond is concerned, Macrae would be a welcome addition to a side crying out for cool headed distributer who's ability to link up and size up the best option is second nature. His ability to stop and prop, sidestep and deliver effectively is straight out of the Scott Pendlebury copy book. His kicking is also impressive with a wide array of tricks which allows him to fully exploit even the most difficult of the angles. The chips, snaps and tunnelling of the ball make him an unpredictable and formidable opponent, whilst his long kicking can be pinpoint at 50 metres. On this last point, I think Macrae still has a little room for improvement and I would like to see him focus using his long kicking to better effect. It's certainly not a major issue, just a case of bring more consistency to his game.

At best, Macrae will be an elite midfielder who sits comfortably in his clubs 2 or 3 elite ballwinners. To do this however, he'll need to develop more of an inside game which sees him become more of a clearance specialist and not just a link man. If he can't hone his contested ball winning ability, he might find himself as a Shaun Grigg type who can play a role but isn't necessarily a top tier gamebreaker.

 

[pahoffm]

We don't have the 25 blokes of sufficient talent to carry a Rioli when he's off, or injured, or whatever
One day we might need an erratic bloke that plays a cameo game or 10 each season but we need blokes who perform week in week out.
On that basis I'd skip Cockatoo, and take a more conservative selection this year.

Half of me agrees with you.
And following the logic of solid conservative picks, the players on the following link appeal to me.

http://puntroadend.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=50567.0

 

[mrposhman]

GC just got Malceski to go with McKenzie, Harbrow down back. Not sure they have a need for Duggan. I see them maybe pulling a surprise and taking Durdin. Still think they need one more tall. And like Wright, Durdin is falling for no real reason. Great prospect.

Add Kolodjashni to that list as well and I agree they are well stocked with those half back types with good foot skills.

I reckon they will go with Lever.

Will be interesting to see what WC do. I'm hoping that we either take Weller or Durdin I think. Cockatoo will be too much of a risk for FJ so I doubt we will take him.

 

[Mr Brightside]

I reckon Frank simply go's on who he thinks will be the best not who might be the best

 

[Smoking Aces]

Bound For Glory has -

12 - Weller
33 - McLean
52 - Goodyear
70 - Grace

No Gore either, she doesn't rate him for some reason.

At 12 that's a good result although she has Wright going to Adelaide, 33 isn't my preferred option but I could live with McLean (although a project of sorts) but would prefer Webb. At 52 she has us overlooking Bampton, Boekhorst, Jaden McGrath & James Rose, I would take these guys first.

Grace wasn't invited to the combine, he's a rookie selection at best, good stats but DE down. No Daniel either.

Apart from Weller the rest aren't too much to get excited about. Surely we can do better at pick 33.

 

[bullus_hit]

Apart from Weller the rest aren't too much to get excited about. Surely we can do better at pick 33.

Absolutely, I still don't understand why Gore doesn't feature, seems she doesn't rate the South Australians, maybe she's too caught up in the Victorian hype.

 

[Scoop]

Absolutely, I still don't understand why Gore doesn't feature, seems she doesn't rate the South Australians, maybe she's too caught up in the Victorian hype.

Tried very hard to push Vic boys. Very buddy, buddy.

Dean Gore gets picked.

 

[GEDS1]

I had a thought that maybe this year things go our way and we end up with another big man by the name of Wright to carry us to glory. But I believe the Cats might ruin that party.

 

[T-Shirt Tommy]

But I believe the Cats might ruin that party.

Not sure about that. They've picked up Mitch Clarke and Rhys Stanley.

They have Vardy, McIntosh, Dawson Simpson, Josh Walker and Blicavs for ruck duties.

 

[uhuh uhuh]

I had a thought that maybe this year things go our way and we end up with another big man by the name of Wright to carry us to glory. But I believe the Cats might ruin that party.

I agree with everything written about Wright... Somehow I think with Griff, Maric, Ty, McBean, Hampson Elton and Soldo. The chances of taking Wright are small. We will take a midfielder.

 

[tigs2010]

Absolutely, I still don't understand why Gore doesn't feature, seems she doesn't rate the South Australians, maybe she's too caught up in the Victorian hype.

Another good one. Not fussed on the first. We will get a good player there with Weller/wright must haves IMO (if they get there) gore and McGrath would be great picks after that.

 

[bullus_hit]

Another good one. Not fussed on the first. We will get a good player there with Weller/wright must haves IMO (if they get there) gore and McGrath would be great picks after that.

McGrath looks a ripper, surprised he hasn't been spoken about more often, out of sight, out of mind I guess.

 

[Tiger2]

Seems everyone is looking for midfielders. No surprise. Those with pace are the flavour of the month. So who ahead of us are really looking for a more KPP and is that KPP worth a 1st round for those particular teams v a slide and picking up later given everyone seems open to a pacey mid 1st round.

 

[pahoffm]

I agree with everything written about Wright... Somehow I think with Griff, Maric, Ty, McBean, Hampson Elton and Soldo. The chances of taking Wright are small. We will take a midfielder.

I agree.

1st Round
Jayden Laverde, Western Jets
Jordan De Goey, Oakleigh Chargers
Liam Duggan, Western Jets
Lachie Weller, Broadbeach

 

[tigertim]

I agree with everything written about Wright... Somehow I think with Griff, Maric, Ty, McBean, Hampson Elton and Soldo. The chances of taking Wright are small. We will take a midfielder.

I would take Wright at 12 if he were there. Griff and Ty are part time rucks, Liam I don't think has played there at all Soldo is loooong shot and Hampson......... All our ruck eggs are in 1 basket.

 

[Scoop]

Cal Twomey tweeting Lukas Webb a chance for Dogs at 26 & 27.

If we want him, 33 is the price.

 

[bullus_hit]

Cal Twomey tweeting Lukas Webb a chance for Dogs at 26 & 27.

If we want him, 33 is the price.

Figured as much, I don't mind spending 33 on him, it's between Gore & Webb for me. I don't think Miller will be available but both those guys are great prospects.