AFL Draft 2014

Youngman · May 14, 2014

Skippos said: ↑

Haven't seen him and he hasn't crossed my radar yet. I'll keep an eye out for him though
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Ahh good stuff, wouldn't be hard getting in the best for Bendigo.

Dirk Diggler · May 14, 2014

Mousey might also know Michael Manteit in the squad. Went to the same school.

MatthewJay · May 14, 2014

Theo said: ↑

Have you seen anything of Tylar Vujanic at the Jets?

I think he's a first year KPF.
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^^^^

MASTERS · May 14, 2014

Any Father / Sons coming in the next draft ?

Dirk Diggler · May 14, 2014

Harry Dear. Hawthorn.

Mousey · May 14, 2014

Dirk Diggler said: ↑

Surprised at the number of Jets in Metro's squad. Things might be turning around finally there.
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They fired Sexton a couple of years ago iirc and improved immediately.

Dirk Diggler said: ↑

Mousey might also know Michael Manteit in the squad. Went to the same school.
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Yeah, pretty sure I played a game with him too. He got moved up to the seniors pretty quickly though

Youngest MHSOBFC seniors player in history iirc.

morgieb · May 14, 2014

MASTERS said: ↑

Any Father / Sons coming in the next draft ?
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Darcy Moore (Collingwood) and Billy Stretch (Melbourne) IIRC.

Skippos · May 14, 2014

Zaine Cordy WB
Harry Dear HAW
Alec Waterman WCE
Darcy Moore COLL
Billy Stretch MELB

brettman135 · May 15, 2014

Many Eastern Ranges guys expected to get drafted this year?

PaulFromOz · May 15, 2014

Carlton needs to tank for #1.

Skippos · May 15, 2014

brettman135 said: ↑

Many Eastern Ranges guys expected to get drafted this year?
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Solid KPD in Nielsen and manchild forward in Petracca the two main ones right now

brettman135 · May 15, 2014

Next year should be the big year for the Ranges in terms of draftees.

Skippos · May 18, 2014

Country 89 def Metro 74

Don't have much on the game yet but a big surprise for mine. I think Metro's 22 was a bit of though, blokes like McDonagh, Wilkinson and Maynard playing 2nds when they shouldn't be.

From all reports like always Goddard was solid without being spectacular and McCartin well outplayed Wright.

BoG was Darcy Parish who's a 2015 draft prospect. Big stuff there.

Skippos · May 18, 2014

Skippos said: ↑

Power Rankings:

***Elite Potential***
1. Patrick McCartin
2. Sam Durdin
3. Peter Wright
4. Isaac Heeney
5. Tom Lamb
6. Alec Waterman
7. Jarrod Pickett

***Components of a Successful Team***
8. Angus Brayshaw
9. Jake Lever
10. Lachlan Weller
11. Hugh Goddard
12. Liam Duggan
13. Jack Hayes
14. Darcy Moore
15. Mac Bower
16. Touk Miller
17. Liam Griffiths
18. Tyler Keitel
19. Clem Smith
20. Peter Bampton
21. Brayden Maynard
22. Corey Ellis
23. Liam Dawson
24. Christian Petracca
25. Bradley Walsh
26. Alex Urban
27. Matthew Hammelmann
28. Kyle Langford
29. Dean Gore

***Best of the Rest***
30. Jack Cripps
31. Dylan Winton
32. Matt Goodyear
33. Blly Evans
34. Jayden Laverde
35. Jordan Cunico
36. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow
37. Garrett McDonagh
38. Daniel Capiron
39. Tom Wilkinson
40. Jesse Watchman
41. Harry Dear
42. Ryan Lim
43. Josh Deluca
44. Marc Pittonet
45. Rory Sheridan-Ferrie
46. Nakia Cockatoo
47. Warrick Wilson
48. Daniel Nielson
49. Billy Stretch
50. Jayden Foster
51. Caleb Marchbank
52. Matthew Ah Siu
53. Billy Evans
54. Nathan Drummond
55. Jaden McGrath
56. Paul Ahern
57. Jermaine Miller-Lewis
58. Jake Johansen
59. Caleb Daniel

***Speculative Punts***
60. Mark Kovacevic
61. Oleg Markov
62. Jackson Nelson (okay so i just remembered I forgot him he's in the mid 20s for mine)
63. Tom Read
64. Sean McLaren
65. Bohdi Walker
66. Mitch Mahady
67. Ed Vickers-Willis
68. Reece McKenzie
69. Duom Dawam
70. Sam Bevan
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Power Rankings.

Haven't put huge thought into them as the profiles I'm doing matter more but that's how I see it right now. Happy to answer any questions.

morgieb · May 18, 2014

Heeney the highest ranked mid. Gun.

Skippos · May 19, 2014

Skippos said: ↑

Pick 1: Brisbane
Patrick McCartin - Victoria
DOB: 19/4/96
H: 193cm, W: 95kg
Comparison: Brian Lake/None
Range: 1-5, most likely 2-5

McCartin is a universally liked option and a player most seem to rate as a safe bet. To me he's a strange one though. He's going to need to grow to be the best he can be; the 193cm forward is slowly dying; at that height you'd be more likely to make it as the high half forward/flanker in the Jarrad Grant/Tom Lynch mold or he'd have to really excel and be the athletic/aerobic beast in the Roughead/Darling mold. He's likely either going to be giving away height to a key defender or having the Gibson type who's probably more athletic and aerially skilled. If McCartin doesn't grow and wants to be a real key forward he's going to need to improve his game below the knees. He's going to want to try and become a Roughead type who's capable of playing nearly anywhere due to his skillset to be a gun. I personally see McCartin as a backman. 1 v 1 he's elite. He's not only incredibly strong but reads the ball to perfection and manouvres his body so unbelievably well. His height and attributes are suited to defence and filling a Glass/Lake type role down there but I seem to be the only one who sees it. The major knock on him is his kicking. He can shank 'em. Badly. Like, worse than Butcher. His field kicking is pretty good but he often plays on or snaps as he just can't seem to get it right off the set shot. It's all mental. Hopefully he can fix it.

Why: Brisbane are in a pretty shitty situation and need the replacement for Brown. Wright's got the upside but a player like him is still an unknown, we've never had a forward of his size. Even that said, Wright's allure is his ruck ability. He could be an AFL ruck or forward - the appeal is that he can do both. In terms of pure forward ability McCartin is better. With the situation Brisbane are in, they need the best forward not the best player. And the least risk. McCartin is that. He'll not only be a great player but there's no risk he'll bust.

Pick 2: St Kilda
Peter Wright - Victoria
DOB: 8/9/96
H: 203 cm, W: 102kg
Comparison: Kurt Tippett/Joe Daniher
Draft Range: Top 3. Best player in the draft.

There are plenty of similarities between Wright and Daniher. Wright has a little bit more height and bulk for that height but they're both primarily marking forwards. Wright has the whole package though. He's probably the tallest genuine key forward to come through the league; he'd be a rather tall ruckman but as a forward he's a giant. He'll have a height and reach advantage on every key defender and he's got the athletic ability to capitalise. He's quick on the lead and with that height and reach it'd take a defender with not only exceptional closing speed but excellent reach to stop him. Not only that but he's capable of taking the ball at the highest point too, his hands overhead and in front are excellent, not dissimilar to Joe Daniher. Not only that but I certainly see him almost Tippett-esque in his contested marking ability. Just has that ability to crash a pack and leave with the ball so often that others don't. Through the ruck he's good. His tapwork is relatively good and his body work is good too. If he was unable to play forward he'd still be comfortably the best ruck in the pool; probably top 5. If a club wanted to turn him into a ruck then they'd be capable of doing so quite easily as his athleticism is a major point of difference. Every player has their weaknesses though. Even when Wright leaves a game with 6 goals often they're in junk time or in a massive spurt. He falls in and out of games and doesn't tend to dominate the whole match. If a team can take that patch of domination and make it consistent he'll be a weapon and a half. He just seems to lack that killer instinct, if that makes sense. His back is also a major concern; those kind of injuries rarely go away and it'll be a concern for him for a significant amount of time.

Why: St Kilda don't have a second forward and will need a target to replace Riewoldt. Wright works as that. Not only that but he'll allow Lee/White/Stanley to roam up the ground. With a very raw ruck division Wright also adds the size and tapwork they'll need to avoid relying on underdeveloped B grade rucks all game. He's also the best forward available.

Pick 3: GWS
Sam Durdin - South Australia
DOB: 6/6/96
H: 197cm, W: 89kg
Comparison: Jake Carlisle/Sam Day
Range: 1-6

Versatility is a strength of Durdin's. He's very good down forward, is more than capable in the ruck but really excels down back. I think Carlisle is a good comparison. Durdin is the better junior of the pair but Carlisle's developed to be better than you'd have expected when drafted. He'll end up a similar kind of player except I feel he's more proficient forward. It's not often you see genuine key position defenders go so early in a draft but Durdin will be an exception. His leap is excellent and it gains him a good few cms when playing ruck to the extent that he'd probably be the second best ruck in this pool behind Wright and as a pure forward he'd still be top 10. A club could turn him into whatever they wanted; a bit like a reverse Sam Day. They share many similarities except Durdin is more defense focused it seems. Anyway Durdin in defence is a unique package. Despite his height his ground coverage, speed and agility is excellent; he's a good mobile and athletic tall. Overhead he's great but he knows when to spoil. Below the knees he's one of the best talls you'll see. With the ball in hand he's incredible. Uses it so well; unique for his height. A player who could become the real focal point of a team's transition from defence straight back into attack.

Why: GWS have every area of the park covered but they do have a bit of an issue in key defence. There are ?s about Davis's future after his injury and Mohr/Frost/Corr etc. just aren't too flash. He fits a need and is the best available.

Pick 4: Melbourne
Angus Brayshaw - Victoria
DOB: 9/1/96
H: 187cm, W: 86kg
Comparison: Andrew Swallow
Range: 2-7

I never like top agers. Never. I know that really there'll be just as many elite players born in January as December but I still don't like it. He's the oldest around and has had the most time for development. That said there's no doubting that Brayshaw is a quality player. Is he mercurial? Nope. Will he put bums on seats? Nope. Is he going to be mercurial? Nope. A superstar? Nope. But he's going to be top 5 player on a successful team. He's one of those players you know will be good. Worst case scenario he'll still be a component of a winning team. Best case he'll be a major reason for a winning team. He gets a lot of the ball, he's a solid without being spectacular user of it and can mark to a reasonable degree and reads the ball well. He knows how to get forward as well. He's got a big body for a junior and should be right for round 1 2015 and contribute still. His tackling is exceptional and inside he does the job. He's just a good inside leaning but balanced midfielder who gets attention not on the spectacularity of what he does but the sheer volume of it. He's the top midfielder in the crop but that's more of an indictment on the crop than him.

Why: I'm assuming they keep Frawley here. If they don't they'll have another pick and that might change how they go here. I expect them to place F/S / zone bids on both Heeney and Waterman though. Quite simply they need some reasonable young midfielders. Brayshaw is safe and he's a component of a winning team. They'd probably have wanted some real outside run and carry but Brayshaw is just that much safer than Pickett that it makes it worthwhile.

Pick 5: Richmond
Jarrod Pickett - Western Australia
DOB: 18/8/96
H: 180cm, W: 68kg
Comparison: Daniel Wells
Range: 5-14

Pickett's another favourite of mine from the draft pool. I do have worries about how he'll adjust to AFL level and he might need a bit of time but the reward with him is worth it. He's the typical indigenous player really, he's quick, agile, takes the game on and can have silky smooth moments with ball in hand + has great goal sense. He could make it as either your outside midfielder or small half forward type. He's able to sum up the situation of the game rather quickly and make his decisions well but his major advantage for mine is his ability to just break games open and have those magic moments. Unlike blokes like Stephen Hill he seems to be able to find the ball too; just happens to be in the right position and while he still needs the ball fed to him he puts himself in the position where it's just hard not to do that. If he grows another inch or two it'll really help him. The knock I've got on him is that I don't really see much defensive accountability in him at all; and as with all players of his type he'll struggle with tags his whole career.

Why: Richmond have a few obvious weaknesses but none moreso that genuine speed through the middle. With Dimma's influence over recruitment and obsession with drafting players in his own image there's a serious lack of polish barring Cotchin and Deledio. Duggan and Weller are options here but I just think Pickett is the genuine excitement machine Richmond need and it might be worth jumping the gun a little to get him.

Pick 6: Western Bulldogs
Hugh Goddard - Victoria
DOB: 24/8/96
H: 196cm, W: 93kg
Comparison: Jack Watts/Rhys Stanley
Range: 3-20

Goddard's draft stocks have risen by virtue of his name and name alone. In reality he's a glorified project player with some good genes. He's got pace, he's got agility and he's got the vertical jump. He's got exactly what the fans like - excitement. But I just can't see anything to indicate he's going to be that incredibly awesome athletic KPP that people seem to think. He doesn't open up games, if he performs he's never the match winner and he seems to go about his business quietly despite his traits. He just seems to lack the killer instinct and game sense that the true greats have. I consider him an athlete come footballer rather than the opposite. He's capable of playing back however - his athletic traits allow him to be reasonable in defence and if played from true CHB he can use his long kick to break open games and cut through the press.

Why: They lack quality talls at both ends of the park. Crameri being the focal point at his height and style is shameful and it's nearing on time to stick a fork in Cordy and Jones. Roughead down back is good but who's his long term partner? I expect they'll place a bid on Darcy Moore here though I think Goddard would suit them more with the style the Dogs play. It's one destination I can really see Goddard maximising his potential at too.

Pick 7: Carlton
Liam Duggan - Victoria
DOB: 11/12/96
H: 183cm, W: 76kg
Comparison: Corey Enright
Range: 6-15

Duggan's just a good player. Capable of playing back flank and through the middle to a high standard and excels in many areas. A good tackler, reasonable on the inside, good speed and acceleration and a solid defensive IQ. Knows where the ball's going to be and for a bloke who's only 6 foot tall is an exceptional intercept mark. His footskills are immense too - he's the kind of player who you want playmaking out of defence. Just hits targets all the time. Bottom aged so someone you really want a good bit more development out of too. My only knock is despite his kicking being fantastic, it's not as flat as you'd like. Reminds me of Docherty in that regard in that he's hyped up as a brilliant kick at junior levels but in the AFL when players are that much quicker and smarter the extra second the ball takes due to the trajectory really does hurt.

Why: Carlton just lack that polish. There are plenty of areas on the park they need to improve but given they're currently playing blokes like Walker and Simpson back to get rebound Duggan seems the best fit - he'd free up those players to play more natural roles. He's a good player. They'd probably have hoped one of Goddard, McCartin, Durdin or Wright slid but it was never going to happen and it's not worth jumping the gun on a Keitel or a Watchman; Lamb's not the genuine tall they need. Expect Heeney and Waterman bids.

Pick 8: West Coast - F/S
Alec Waterman - Western Australia
DOB: 19/8/96
H: 183cm, W: 89kg
Comparison: Got nothing. Open to suggestions
Range: WCE 1st/2nd Rounder

It's highly unlikely WC won't have to use their first on Waterman. It wouldn't be a problem as he's probably the most suited player for them barring Pickett. I'd say a club between 5-9 will bid on him at this stage; WCE would have to bottom out to use their second on him. As for Waterman himself; he's my favourite midfielder from the crop. He's already got reasonable size but that's not to say he's an inside midfielder, he's rather balanced. Capable of winning his own ball but also really smooth outside the contest. Aerobically above average and his burst from the inside of a pack is exceptional. His footskills I'd rate above Brayshaw's and he has fantastic vision and I rate his goal sense. He just feels a slightly riskier proposition. He's a high volume player but he doesn't seem to dominate like Brayshaw does, there's just that little bit missing and I can't yet put my finger on it but I'll try and do so during the champs. He's got a good burst but his coverage of the ground isn't fantastic.

Why: Because he's the best player available. He probably represents a breakeven at 8 which will disappoint the Eagles who'd be hoping he slides to their 2nd but he's not someone you pass up with your first anyway, especially when class through the middle is a serious issue.

Pick 9: Adelaide
Lachlan Weller - Queensland
DOB: 23/2/96
H: 180cm, W: 71kg
Comparison: Jared Polec (but it's a stretch. I don't have a good one)
Range: 7-18

Weller's a player I really like. Unlike his brother, Maverick, Lachlan isn't a physical beast but what he lacks in that he makes up for in skills. He's probably the best field kick in the draft and his vision seems superb. For a wee fella he's surprising good at winning his own ball. Misses out on being a QLD zone selection to GC only just due to time but there's very little doubt Lachlan will make it at the AFL. At worst he'll be a limited touch/high impact player.

Why: I wouldn't be surprised to see us fuck up and pick up someone like Maynard who's not worth it but he's the typical Crows (and Richmond, tbf) recruit. Lever wouldn't be a bad pick as he'd solve the 3rd tall issue and avoid us having to run with Shaw/Otten there and free up Smith (and add some much needed class reboundwise and reliability defensively) but I can't see us punting on a bloke who's missed the whole season. Lamb would be my absolute dream. I would cry puppies if we picked him up but with Walker, Jenkins and Lynch we really don't need another mobile medium/tall forward (though it'd be nice to secure one for the future). Weller is the missing component to our midfield - skills. We lack someone who's just going to give us that polish on the outside as Thompson, Crouch, Sloane and Dangerfield all lack composure and reliable footskills.

Pick 10: Gold Coast
Tom Lamb - Victoria
DOB: 19/10/96
H: 192cm, W: 83kg
Comparison: Jared Brennan/Jarrad Grant
Range: 5-30

Oh wowee. Lamb is my boy. He's a bigger risk than some of the other players in this pool but he's a risk I'd be absolutely stoked to take. He's small for a forward and rather slender and he'll probably be marketed as a KPF but that's not where he'll play as an AFL player. He's too small to be a genuine target in the forward line but I wouldn't put it past him to be a good contested mark pound for pound anyway. He's very unique and someone who plays a role that will be able to slide up the grades quite easily, I wouldn't be surprised to see him average 15 touches and 2 goals in the VFL and still manage 13 touches and 1.5 goals in the AFL y'know. When it's his situation it's just his; I kind of think despite his size he'll be a reasonable AFL standard early. At ground level he's elite. His hands below the knees are 10/10 and he just doesn't fumble. He's capable of those one handed pick up and carries like Brennan was but the comparisons don't end there. Lamb could play in the wing, down back or as a #2 forward with ease. I'd have faith in him as a crumber too. He's fast, agile and has a tremendous leap (enough so that I'd not complain with him in ruck relief occasionally). With his pace and ground level skills expect him to be a threat at ground level. His versatility will be a dream for AFL clubs and I'd expect him to start in a more Jarrad Grant-esque flanker role and grow from there. Unlike Brennan though his raw pace isn't kind of bulky to watch but smooth enough though he doesn't have the sidestep Brennan had. On the lead he's excellent though he'll get outbodied at AFL level in any sort of contested situation but that said if deep forward he'll be able to get himself in the game as he'll be better at ground level than his opponent. He just gets it. He could go top 5 if a team sees it or he could be a massive slider. But one thing's for sure; I'm confident he'll be a player. He'll be better than Brennan was without a doubt - the work ethic's there too. Very bottom aged too.

Why: This one's pretty simple for me. Gold Coast are in a position where punts are okay as their list is just so amazingly strong. They've got a really good forward trio but all are really tall. Matera works well as the crumber but I think they're lacking that athletic half forward that Lamb is. That versatile third tall who creates space and creates goals for the talls. He'd fit in better at Gold Coast than any club in the league for mine and they'd get the best out of him. Seems pretty simple to me. They might look at a rebounding defender if someone like Duggan is there, though.

Pick 11: North Melbourne
Clem Smith - Western Australia
DOB: 3/2/96
H: 178cm, W: 67kg
Comparison: Byron Pickett/Campbell Brown
Range: 10-25

Smith is one of those players who'll have you melting for him at one moment and then cursing him the next. That said he's probably more endearing. Pickett against Smith is going to be a massive argument all draft. I prefer Pickett though, Smith just has the most frustrating kick at times. It's not Palmer bad but as far as sub 6 foot indigenous kids go it's one of the worst. He's got good vision and creativity but the execution is off. The untrainable qualities are there though so it's something that *could* be fixed. We haven't had a kid like Smith come through for a long time though. He mightn't be huge but he plays like he's 15 kilos more than he is. He attacks the ball with such ferocity; the kind of player that'd have been more equipped in the game 15 years ago. He bumps, tackles and crashes contests with such force that he's going to change games. He's capable of playing in defense or in the middle but I also see some potential for him as that small forward who puts pressure on, not dissimilar to Campbell Brown except he's going to also have his direct opponent worried as his pace/agility is enough to also be a scoreboard threat. That said he hasn't really had much of a run there yet. His hardness is a real point of difference, it might sound strange as most players come through hard but Smith is just an exception in that the level he takes it to is insane.

Why: Nobody in this draft personifies shinboner spirit more than Clem. He's Pickett and Archer in kid form. Not only would he structurally be a good fit with what he offers and what you need, but he's the kind of players North fans would love and the kind of player that needs to be a Kangaroo

Pick 12: Collingwood - F/S
Darcy Moore - Victoria
DOB: 25/1/96
H: 199cm, W: 93kg
Comparison: Nathan Vardy
Range: Coll 1st Rounder

Darcy Moore's a name we'll hear a lot of closer to the draft. He's a certainty to go to Collingwood with their first and for mine that represents about fair value. To most it'll be a steal. A relatively tall KPF, he's also more than capable of playing in the ruck and down back. He's got a really good kick to him and is a fantastic contested mark. His skills are above average for his height and he's definitely a future leader; commands the forward line, takes charge and clearly has his teammate's respect. I like that in him. Unfortunately he's not the complete product. He's the kind of guy you pick up not for what he'll do immediately but for what he might be in 5 years. There's definite bust potential with Darcy which is why I don't rate him like others do. He's really light for his height but still looks like a monster on the field. He's naturally got a fantastic frame and with 3-4 seasons in the gym he could become a Cloke-like physical beast. Ideally he'd be a like for like replacement ready to come in when Cloke is done. But even then that's a long way away.

Why: Because he's the best KPF left and fills a need Collingwood have. He'd be the Forward/Ruck they're looking for too and avoid them having to play Witts and Grundy. A foregone conclusion.

Pick 13: Geelong
Kyle Langford - Victoria
DOB: 1/12/96
H: 190cm, W: 75kg
Comparison: Tom Cutler
Range: 10-50

Langford's a unique footballer. He's got the height and the excitement factor. A good limited touch/high effectiveness player. Has pace, aggression, intent, a good kick and overhead he's solid. Can play all over the ground but I like him as a linebreaking rebound defender. Keeps his opponent honest too. Bottom aged which hopefully means the size will come.

Why: Because he's the kind of player Geelong would go for. He's the Wells type. Him or Nelson. He'd fit in well, too. Slot straight into Boris's slot given Thurlow and Smedts seem to be stagnating.

Pick 14: Gold Coast (Geelong compo)
Corey Ellis - Victoria
DOB: 9/10/96
H: 185cm, W: 76kg
Comparison: Robert Murphy (plays smaller/better inside)/Paul Chapman
Range: 8-25

Ellis is someone I hadn't really seen much of until very recently but I like what I see. He's the kind of bloke that sees things that others don't see and can often take the play in a direction you didn't see coming. Plays with intensity and pressure and kicks well with composure but occasionally tries to be too creative. Capable of playing back, forward or through the middle though I see him as the high half forward who sets up the attack inside 50.

Why: I don't think Ellis is this good but I think he's probably what Gold Coast are after. They probably could do with a real inside mid but I think they'll gamble on Gore, Bampton, Urban or Walsh with their 2nd. As aforementioned, forward line creativity is what they're lacking and Ellis could really complete that along with Lamb. If Ellis and Lamb reach their peak at the Suns I genuinely think you can lock 5 premierships away. The forward line would be the best in the comp, as would the midfield and defense wouldn't be far off. At peak Ellis and Lamb are what they lack. You'd just be gambling that they'd get there.

Pick 15: Port Adelaide
Jake Lever - Victoria
DOB: 5/3/96
H: 192cm, W: 84kg
Comparison: Andrew Mackie/Lachlan Plowman
Range: 6-25

Lever's going to be out all season injured. That said he's lucky in that he showed enough last year to get away with it. I like Lever. I think he's a better version of Lachie Plowman. Hopefully he grows that little bit so clubs have a little more confidence with him on KPFs but really he's never going to be taking the behemoths, more the 3rd talls that he can zone off if required. He's a fantastic intercept and one on one mark but his run and carry is superb and his footskills are lovely. I don't think we've got a current player in the league like him bar Plowman who hasn't hit his straps. He doesn't have the footskills of a Hurn but he knows where and when to kick it and works hard to set up the play. I really, really like him. His injury might send him down the order a bit but really clubs should have seen enough last year.

Why: It's tough seeing Lever slide so much when he's a fantastic player. Port are in the position where they can punt on him though - there's no real gaping weakness in their 22 and he's the best available. He'd long term probably look at replacing a Broadbent type as he's an upgrade in every regard. Especially when blokes like O'Shea still occasionally get games.

Pick 16: Fremantle
Tyler Keitel - Western Australia
DOB: 7/2/96
H: 194cm, W: 86kg
Comparison: Aaron Black/Jack Darling/Matthew Pavlich/Jarryd Roughead
Range: 10-50

Keitel's one of those players that right now I'm not sold on but he might just sell me later. There's upside to him, real upside but there's significant bust potential with him in my eyes too. He's got good movement, excellent actually and below the knees he's great. His marking is good too. At ground level he shines - he could end up like a Roughead in that regard and he's someone you feel could fit into your structure no matter what. Down back he's solid; I wouldn't write him off there, seems to know what to do. A natural footballer and one I think might end up actually being a reasonable midfielder if he puts on some kegs. But that's his problem; you really can't place him. That and he certainly loves a shot when there's a clearly better pass available. He's a top ager too and still rather skinny and raw though. I think he'll bust. But if he doesn't he will be pretty darn good; it's all about which team wants to take the punt on a proposition that is probably the wrong size to fit into any currently defined role without significant improvement.

Why: Barring Pavlich, key forwards have always been a weakness. The jury is still out on Taberner and Apeness and Keitel would help just ensure that at least one of them worked. I can't see a player left barring Dawson who'd fit into the Fremantle structure either so they'd have to look at needs.

Pick 17: Sydney - Zone
Isaac Heeney - NSW
DOB: 5/5/96
H: 186cm, W: 82kg
Comparison: Dan Hannebury
Range: Sydney 1st Rounder

I like the Hannebury comparison. I think he's the best midfielder in the draft though it'll take awhile for others to catch on to just how good he is. Wins his own ball, receives it on the outside - he's the definition of balanced. He's got pace, he's got power, he makes space for himself and breaks the lines. Kicks goals and tackles in volume as well as works hard both ways throughout the game. He's a keeper and the complete package.

Why: By far the best available. Not even worth considering other options.

Pick 18: Hawthorn
Brayden Maynard - Victoria
DOB: 20/9/96
H: 186cm, W: 88kg
Comparison: Luke Tapscott (a taller and slightly better and more composed version)
Range: 8-25

Brayden's a player I'd have loved to have at the Crows with the F/S but that's not to say I rate him. I don't rate him that highly. I think he'll make a solid but not spectacular AFL player. He's got the tools to make it but I don't think he's got the tools to dominate it. Tapscott to me is a good comparison, he's hard at the contest, tackles well and whether it be forward or defence (for Maynard, the middle too) he can play he role. Forward he's a little more goal smart than Tapscott which is where the ROK comparisons come in but that and the volume tackling is where it ends for mine. He'll perform roles without breaking games.

Why: Because he's quite simply the best player available. He'll slot into the void Hodge leaves around the ground long term

Pick 19: Essendon
Peter Bampton - SA
DOB: 15/4/96
H: 182cm, W: 83kg
Comparison: Luke Dunstan
Range: 10-25

Bampton's probably the most ready made player in the draft. Saw his SANFL debut last year and loved him - hasn't shown much improvement since but he'll definitely hit the ground running at AFL level and would be a Larke medal contender in the champs. He's fit, has a good work rate, is an excellent extractor and clearance getter and uses his hands well. He's clean below the knees under pressure and is capable of crumbing a goal. Doesn't have a huge outside game which is the knock on him and is probably too undersized to be a dominant inside mid at AFL level with the way the game is going but he'll still be solid. Expect him to do well season one and only improve in small amounts from thereon. He'll go to a team that's looking for some immediate grunt and contribution - likely a premiership contender.

Why: Life post Jobe is getting closer. An inside mid if not a need now will be in three years. He's ready made and will do the job. A safe bet.

Pick 20: GWS (End of 1st round compo)
Mac Bower - SA
DOB: 27/1/96
H: 190cm, W: 77kg
Comparison: A less developed and shitter Matthew Scharenberg
Range: 15-30

Mac's a real favourite of mine. He's a really good height for the role he plays - he's not a key position player; very much a mobile 3rd/4th tall so being 190cm allows him to be both an aerial threat forward but very relevant at ground level. In defence where I think his future lies he's got the perfect height to play tall or small if needed and intercept mark to perfection. He's a real goalscorer forward and his pace allows him to be a composed playmaker from defence. He's undersized now but with some development could be a really handy aggresive physical threat anywhere across the ground. Top aged though which doesn't help when you're underdeveloped.

Why: GWS are in a position to make speculative punts. Bower could be a bust but if he peaks he'll be a vital player and serve a role in the GWS side they just don't already have. They've got the forwards and the midfielders - the versatile flankers they don't have coming through.
Click to expand...

Added in my tentative first round mock. Likely to change rapidly. I'll be going to the game on Sunday and taking some notes as there are a lot of WA players and SA players I need a third/fourth look at.

Obviously I don't expect to have nailed each teams needs. Happy to take on suggestions as to what you'd want your team to go for in the draft so I can try and work them in (if it doesn't require a massive quality drop to get it) for the next update.

Skippos · May 30, 2014

Yeah I'm beginning to warm to Ellis. Has a lot of traits that you want out of the modern footballer.

Skippos · May 30, 2014

Anywhere from 10-25 I'd have him at

Skippos · Jun 7, 2014

AFL website overrates Stretch. I was at the first two SA games. Stretch was shit week one and they said he was 'very good' - week two he was good and they said he was 'exceptional' - this week apparently he was only okay. Dunno why they love him but they do.

Skippos · Jun 7, 2014

Yeah, exactly.

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AFL Draft 2014

Youngman JE Harding

Dirk Diggler DM Diggler

MatthewJay TA Miokovic

MASTERS S Masters

Dirk Diggler DM Diggler

Mousey AJ Son

morgieb MC Burridge

Skippos SM Morgan

brettman135 BR Hall

PaulFromOz PF Oz

Skippos SM Morgan

brettman135 BR Hall

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

morgieb MC Burridge

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

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AFL Draft 2014

Youngman JE Harding

Dirk Diggler DM Diggler

MatthewJay TA Miokovic

MASTERS S Masters

Dirk Diggler DM Diggler

Mousey AJ Son

morgieb MC Burridge

Skippos SM Morgan

brettman135 BR Hall

PaulFromOz PF Oz

Skippos SM Morgan

brettman135 BR Hall

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

morgieb MC Burridge

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

Skippos SM Morgan

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