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PRE 2017 Phantom Draft
- Thread starter bullus_hit
- Start date
bullus_hit said:
As you mentioned it is tuff to make a silk purse but you can only deal with what you have and all late'ish picks so needed to get players with a view to 3 years time in Walker & Stoddard.
I actually had Grigg as my 1st option for the Druggies but went for CEY only because to get that extra revenge for the Naish bid as the crows intend to rookie list him.
I hold a massive grudge lol
FREMANTLE
2. Paddy Dow
5. Andrew Brayshaw
42. Andrew McPherson
60. Ben Miller
66. Roughsedge
71. Haiden Schloithe
79. Scott Jones
83. Jye Bolton
There's definitely a clear focus on the midfield here and it's hard to argue with the first two picks. In Paddy Dow they have opted for pace, smarts & a Vic Country lad who should commit long term. What I like most about Dow is his acceleration from the contest, it gives him a point of difference from the likes of Cerra who is more of a cool headed distributor. His overall numbers aren't jaw dropping which is slightly concerning for a pick 2, but Dow did improve his productivity towards the end of the season. Brayshaw at 5 is another blue chip selection, when I see him I often think of Trent Cotchin, whilst not quite in the same league for showmanship he has that ability to get out of tight situations and generally delivers efficiently. Being one of the stars of the combine he needs very little physical conditioning.
Andrew McPherson is one who has slipped under the radar a little due to a leg injury, coming into the season he was tipped to be a first rounder so there's tremendous scope for him to develop into reliable half back. His endurance is good and he also possesses great leadership, those at Woodville West Torrens believe he's captain material. Ben Miller at pick 60 is a really interesting selection, despite being an undersized ruck his athletic profile is freakishly good. Is 196cm tall enough to cut it? Not too sure but if he can improve his forward craft then he may well become the perfect back-up ruck. You'd have to say project player but one which could reap big rewards. Haiden Scholithe is one of the best state league prospects out there, he's a really exciting line breaker who romped it home in the Sandover. Given he was once a Fremantle rookie I have to ask the question as to whether he'll get a second chance, but as Sam Menegola has proven, players can emerge from the ashes. Don't think Jai Bolton will get drafted given his form dropped off a bit this year, even a Sandover wasn't enough to convince recruiters. Scott Jones is an interesting one, Richmond are keen but he'll need to shed some kilos from his 112kg frame. Speed was really good however, 3.02sec/20m is fine for a bloke who stands 205cm. Endurance still a work in progress, don't think he's necessarily a plug and play type which may hurt in the end.
One thing I was looking for with this batch was a key position prospect, clearly Fremantle are in a tough position because none of the good ones are top 5 material. As it stands I think they would have been better to take a punt on McLean or De Koning with a late pick and then start picking off the rucks & state league players.
Grade: B+
2. Paddy Dow
5. Andrew Brayshaw
42. Andrew McPherson
60. Ben Miller
66. Roughsedge
71. Haiden Schloithe
79. Scott Jones
83. Jye Bolton
There's definitely a clear focus on the midfield here and it's hard to argue with the first two picks. In Paddy Dow they have opted for pace, smarts & a Vic Country lad who should commit long term. What I like most about Dow is his acceleration from the contest, it gives him a point of difference from the likes of Cerra who is more of a cool headed distributor. His overall numbers aren't jaw dropping which is slightly concerning for a pick 2, but Dow did improve his productivity towards the end of the season. Brayshaw at 5 is another blue chip selection, when I see him I often think of Trent Cotchin, whilst not quite in the same league for showmanship he has that ability to get out of tight situations and generally delivers efficiently. Being one of the stars of the combine he needs very little physical conditioning.
Andrew McPherson is one who has slipped under the radar a little due to a leg injury, coming into the season he was tipped to be a first rounder so there's tremendous scope for him to develop into reliable half back. His endurance is good and he also possesses great leadership, those at Woodville West Torrens believe he's captain material. Ben Miller at pick 60 is a really interesting selection, despite being an undersized ruck his athletic profile is freakishly good. Is 196cm tall enough to cut it? Not too sure but if he can improve his forward craft then he may well become the perfect back-up ruck. You'd have to say project player but one which could reap big rewards. Haiden Scholithe is one of the best state league prospects out there, he's a really exciting line breaker who romped it home in the Sandover. Given he was once a Fremantle rookie I have to ask the question as to whether he'll get a second chance, but as Sam Menegola has proven, players can emerge from the ashes. Don't think Jai Bolton will get drafted given his form dropped off a bit this year, even a Sandover wasn't enough to convince recruiters. Scott Jones is an interesting one, Richmond are keen but he'll need to shed some kilos from his 112kg frame. Speed was really good however, 3.02sec/20m is fine for a bloke who stands 205cm. Endurance still a work in progress, don't think he's necessarily a plug and play type which may hurt in the end.
One thing I was looking for with this batch was a key position prospect, clearly Fremantle are in a tough position because none of the good ones are top 5 material. As it stands I think they would have been better to take a punt on McLean or De Koning with a late pick and then start picking off the rucks & state league players.
Grade: B+
Some good highlights of Hugh Dixon in this clip, takes a good hanger at the 2.50 minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELMR2E_Efdw&t=183s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELMR2E_Efdw&t=183s
bullus_hit said:
Thanks for the feedback. You did miss Roughsedge at 66.
I agree Bolton wont be drafted, maybe as a rookie.
Freo have a few promising young tall defenders, but little up front. Miller may end up a KPF. he wont be a ruck.
My 1st 2 picks didnt end up how I wanted. I wanted Rayner to go at 1 so I could get LUD. then I wanted Stephenson to go 4 so I could get Cerra.
Rayner and Stephenson may end up the best 2 in the draft, or they could end up ordinary. Freo needed to draft players they know will be 200 gamers.
They can draft more speculatively with the high picks they will continue to get over the next few years.
I've watched him play in championship games this year too and I don't buy him at all. I've watched Ballenden too,as that my job ay ProScout, but I don't recall him playing down back for any extended period. All my notes are on him playing Ruck/forward. The Allies played Jack Payne and Brander at KPB until Brander got chopped up by Lukosuis and they then put him forward where, in my opinion, he should play. The Tassie kids are better in next years crop, I did like Jake Hinds but he seemed to slip out of contention, although I think he is a Houli type.bullus_hit said:
Ballendon played chb for allies v WA and was clearly their standout player on a day when he had a lot of work to do . His intercept marking rebound and disposal was duly noted by the the 30 or so of your peers who were at the ground that dayTails said:
Yes well as I'm in NSW that game was not in my brief, however Ballenden has not played in the backline since that one out game and I have watched most of his Championship & NEAFL games.Kaelan said:
Tails said:
Here are the official AFL highlights for Ballenden, for the most part he's playing in defence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N0ssT2iH-E&t=39s
As for Dixon, he has definitely divided opinions but I'm looking at the player he could become if given the same opportunities as some of the TAC kids. At present he's carrying a bit of puppy fat and it looks as though he's had minimal attention paid to strength & conditioning. For me he's a nice package for a true power forward, the fact he topped the carnival with 67% of his touches being contested (largely due to contested marking) makes me think there's a fair bit of upside to the lad. His agility is really good given his height, this should counterbalance his lack of speed. On that last point, I don't think speed is as critical for a power forward as it is with other player types. Josh Kennedy has below average speed but counterbalances that with football smarts. For pick 52 I think Dixon is worth a punt, I know Richmond have interviewed him and the feedback I'm getting is that he's a little introverted but not delusional about what lies ahead. If he works hard and gets his body up to AFL standard then he could be a great selection.
Brodders17 said:
Apologies about missing Roughsedge, I've bumped you up to a B+, Evo is a fan so you're in good company.
GEELONG
22. Matthew Ling
24. Joel Garner
35. Oscar Clavarino
58. Charlie Spargo
72. Hayden McLean
90. Sam Collins
At 22 the Cats have picked up Matthew Ling which seems to me just about right, O'Brien went the pick before and that's how I expect it will go in the real deal. Whilst Ling isn't as quick as O'Brien he does appear to glide over the turf and provides plenty of run and carry. Joel Garner is a guy I rate very highly, first round quality and I wouldn't be upset if Richmond calls his name if Balta & Allen are off the board. Leadership is a tough quality to measure but one senses Garner will be a bit of a general once he hits the field. Aside from that he possesses that rare quality of having time when the situation appears chaotic. I've mentioned in other posts that I see a lot of Corey Enright in the way Garner plays and whoever grabs him in the real deal will be getting a beautifully composed footballer. Oscar Clavarino is another I rate, at times he's a dead ringer for Harry Taylor and despite looking more like a third tall at times, his anticipation is generally excellent. I have also noted he's grown 5cm this year so there's nothing to suggest he can't nail down centre half back with a few seasons under his belt.
The speculative picks are also spot on, I realise many people have Spargo going in the second round but for me this is his range. He may well turn out to be an AFL regular but at 171cm I think he's too short to be a permanent midfielder. With his elite agility he could slot in nicely as a defensive forward pocket. Mclean is another I like and his testing at the combine confirmed to me that he has the athletic profile to be a very handy forward/ruck. His TAC form was a little bit underwhelming but he played a decent game in the grand final curtain raiser kicking 4 goals. Surprised to see Sam Collins delisted by Freo so wouldn't be surprised to see him get a second shot.
Grade: A
22. Matthew Ling
24. Joel Garner
35. Oscar Clavarino
58. Charlie Spargo
72. Hayden McLean
90. Sam Collins
At 22 the Cats have picked up Matthew Ling which seems to me just about right, O'Brien went the pick before and that's how I expect it will go in the real deal. Whilst Ling isn't as quick as O'Brien he does appear to glide over the turf and provides plenty of run and carry. Joel Garner is a guy I rate very highly, first round quality and I wouldn't be upset if Richmond calls his name if Balta & Allen are off the board. Leadership is a tough quality to measure but one senses Garner will be a bit of a general once he hits the field. Aside from that he possesses that rare quality of having time when the situation appears chaotic. I've mentioned in other posts that I see a lot of Corey Enright in the way Garner plays and whoever grabs him in the real deal will be getting a beautifully composed footballer. Oscar Clavarino is another I rate, at times he's a dead ringer for Harry Taylor and despite looking more like a third tall at times, his anticipation is generally excellent. I have also noted he's grown 5cm this year so there's nothing to suggest he can't nail down centre half back with a few seasons under his belt.
The speculative picks are also spot on, I realise many people have Spargo going in the second round but for me this is his range. He may well turn out to be an AFL regular but at 171cm I think he's too short to be a permanent midfielder. With his elite agility he could slot in nicely as a defensive forward pocket. Mclean is another I like and his testing at the combine confirmed to me that he has the athletic profile to be a very handy forward/ruck. His TAC form was a little bit underwhelming but he played a decent game in the grand final curtain raiser kicking 4 goals. Surprised to see Sam Collins delisted by Freo so wouldn't be surprised to see him get a second shot.
Grade: A
GOLD COAST
19. Callum Coleman-Jones
41. Brett Bewley
50. Brayden Crossley
52. Brandon Starcevich
76. Jack Payne
This batch looks like a bit of a dogs breakfast to me. My first reaction was to question why you have picked two ruckman when Jarrod Witts has a mortgage on the first ruck duties. On top of that I see Coleman-Jones as an early third rounder to rookie pick. At this selection you could have addressed just about any other position yet you targeted an area of minimal importance. At 41 you've gone early on a state leaguer and I daresay that if Bewley gets drafted it will be much later than this. At 50 you have selected a guy who is an GC academy player and someone you could have matched at pick 76. Meanwhile bargains like Ballard have fallen into the lap of the Tigers. Starcevich was probably the best pick out of this lot and despite needing some work on the tank he shows a bit of promise. Jack Payne could have and should have been matched as Brisbane have delisted 12 players and still have 4 spots left..........so be grateful for small mercies.
Grade: D+
19. Callum Coleman-Jones
41. Brett Bewley
50. Brayden Crossley
52. Brandon Starcevich
76. Jack Payne
This batch looks like a bit of a dogs breakfast to me. My first reaction was to question why you have picked two ruckman when Jarrod Witts has a mortgage on the first ruck duties. On top of that I see Coleman-Jones as an early third rounder to rookie pick. At this selection you could have addressed just about any other position yet you targeted an area of minimal importance. At 41 you've gone early on a state leaguer and I daresay that if Bewley gets drafted it will be much later than this. At 50 you have selected a guy who is an GC academy player and someone you could have matched at pick 76. Meanwhile bargains like Ballard have fallen into the lap of the Tigers. Starcevich was probably the best pick out of this lot and despite needing some work on the tank he shows a bit of promise. Jack Payne could have and should have been matched as Brisbane have delisted 12 players and still have 4 spots left..........so be grateful for small mercies.
Grade: D+
GWS
11. Charlie Constable
27. Jack Petruccelle
28. James Worpel
57. Nick Shipley
65. Tom De Koning
89. Callan England
At pick 11 the Giants have taken Charlie Constable which is a reasonable pick although I personally rate Higgins as the better player and someone who offers a little bit more flexibility in a line-up jam packed with midfield talent. Constable certainly finds plenty of the ball but is often static in his movements, he's smart and organised but not much of a play-maker in terms of spreading from the contest. He's also not much of an athlete having recorded below average scores in the yo-yo & 20 metre sprint. Pick 27 & 28 are both good selections, Petruccelle projects as a very exciting player and has a higher ceiling than most given he's just made the transition to football. I have heard from some quarters that his top speed is a damn deal quicker than the one he recorded at the combine and would have him in the frame as the quickest player in the AFL. His basketball background gives him some wonderful tools when it comes to evasion and leap and I can see him as the type who will feature heavily in the evening news highlights. At 28 Worpel is a great pick and is a value selection, albeit a non-frills one in the tradition of Jack Graham. You couldn't ask for much more in terms of junior accolades, he's a dual All-Australian, Vic Country MVP, TAC premiership captain and was close to BOG in the All-Stars game on grand final day.
The speculative picks are all solid, Shipley will get a bid a little earlier than 58 I believe, he's the first GWS home grown talent to emerge from the academy and will be a nice addition to the Giants midfield. Tom De Koning is slightly speculative but well worth the risk at this point in the draft, he hasn't quite developed as some were expecting after his 9 goal haul in the TAC Cup but an AFL environment may change all that. England is an excellent runner who could make it once he cleans up his disposal and hones his inside credentials.
Grade: B+
11. Charlie Constable
27. Jack Petruccelle
28. James Worpel
57. Nick Shipley
65. Tom De Koning
89. Callan England
At pick 11 the Giants have taken Charlie Constable which is a reasonable pick although I personally rate Higgins as the better player and someone who offers a little bit more flexibility in a line-up jam packed with midfield talent. Constable certainly finds plenty of the ball but is often static in his movements, he's smart and organised but not much of a play-maker in terms of spreading from the contest. He's also not much of an athlete having recorded below average scores in the yo-yo & 20 metre sprint. Pick 27 & 28 are both good selections, Petruccelle projects as a very exciting player and has a higher ceiling than most given he's just made the transition to football. I have heard from some quarters that his top speed is a damn deal quicker than the one he recorded at the combine and would have him in the frame as the quickest player in the AFL. His basketball background gives him some wonderful tools when it comes to evasion and leap and I can see him as the type who will feature heavily in the evening news highlights. At 28 Worpel is a great pick and is a value selection, albeit a non-frills one in the tradition of Jack Graham. You couldn't ask for much more in terms of junior accolades, he's a dual All-Australian, Vic Country MVP, TAC premiership captain and was close to BOG in the All-Stars game on grand final day.
The speculative picks are all solid, Shipley will get a bid a little earlier than 58 I believe, he's the first GWS home grown talent to emerge from the academy and will be a nice addition to the Giants midfield. Tom De Koning is slightly speculative but well worth the risk at this point in the draft, he hasn't quite developed as some were expecting after his 9 goal haul in the TAC Cup but an AFL environment may change all that. England is an excellent runner who could make it once he cleans up his disposal and hones his inside credentials.
Grade: B+
