EDIT: Added my more 'preferred' outcome (with correct draft order). Followed by my original effort.
Round 1
Pick 1 – Carlton – Matthew Kreuzer
Pick 2 – Richmond – Trent Cotchin
Pick 3 – WC – Chris Masten
Pick 4 – Melb – Cale Morton
Pick 5 – Bulldogs – Jarred Grant
Pick 6 – Ess – David Myers
Pick 7 – Fremantle – Rhys Palmer
Pick 8 – Brisbane – Brad Ebert
Pick 9 – Saints – Ben McEvoy
Pick 10 – Adelaide – Alex Rance
Pick 11 – Sydney – Tayte Pears
Pick 12 – Hawks – Cyril Rioli
Pick 13 – WC – Jack Grimes
Pick 14 – Melb – Lachlan Henderson
Pick 15 – Roos – Scott Selwood
Pick 16 – Port – David Gourdis
Pick 17 – Cats – Patrick Vezspremi
Round 2
Pick 18 – Richmond – Patrick Dangerfield
Pick 19 – Bulldogs – Tony Notte
Pick 20 – WC – Callan Ward
Pick 21 – Melb – Chris Kangars
Pick 22 – WC – Levi Greenwood
Pick 23 – Ess – Addam Maric
Pick 24 – Fremantle – Steven Browne
Pick 25 – Brisbane – Brendan Whitecross
Pick 26 – Sydney – Tom Collier
Pick 27 – Adelaide – Andrew Otten
Pick 28 – Port – Marlon Motlop
Pick 29 – Hawthorn – Jackson Hall
Pick 30 – Adelaide – Mitch Farmer
Pick 31 – Pies – Steven Gaertner
Pick 32 – Roos – Robert Tarrant
Pick 33 – Port – Aaron Joseph
Pick 34 – Geelong – Dan McKenna
Round 3
Pick 35 – Bulldogs – Sam Reid
Pick 36 – Carlton – Ashley Arrowsmith
Pick 37 – Kangaroos – Tom Rockliff
Pick 38 – Adelaide – Tom McNamara
Pick 39 – Essendon – Darcy Daniher
Pick 40 – Fremantle – Dawson Simpson
Pick 41 – Brisbane – James Mulligan
Pick 42 – Saints – Brent Connelly
Pick 43 – Bulldogs – Jarrhan Jacky
Pick 44 – Geelong – Joseph Daye
Pick 45 – Hawthorn – Harry Croft
Pick 46 – Carlton – Scott Simpson
Pick 47 – Pies – Jack Steven
Pick 48 – Bulldogs – Jarred Petrenko
Pick 49 – Port – Pass
Pick 50 – Geelong – Matthew Lobbe
Round 4
Pick 51 – Richmond – Patrick McGinnity
Pick 52 – Brisbane – Hugh Sandilands
Pick 53 – Melb – Dean Putt
Pick 54 – Ess – Tom Bellchambers
Pick 55 – Fremantle – James Moss
Pick 56 – Brisbane – Harry Taylor
Pick 57 – St Kilda – John McCarthy
Pick 58 – Adelaide – Nick Salter
Pick 59 – Sydney – Craig Bird
Pick 60 – Geelong – Adam Donoghue
Pick 61 – Collingwood – Jaxson Barham
Pick 62 – Roos – Dayne Zorko
Pick 63 – Western Bulldogs – Easton Wood
Round 5
Pick 64 – Richmond – Pass
Pick 65 – Carlton – Pass
Pick 66 – Melbourne – Cruize Gartlett
Pick 67 – Western Bulldogs – Pass
Pick 68 – Essendon – Pass
Pick 69 – Fremantle – Kepler Bradley
Pick 70 – St Kilda – Pass
Pick 71 – Adelaide – John McDonald
Pick 72 – Ross – Pass
Pick 73 – Melbourne – Pass
Pick 74 – Fremantle – Pass
Pick 75 – Adelaide – Taylor Walker
-----------------------------------------
Note:
- Firstly, this is not how I want it ordered in an ideal world but I started these write ups about a week ago and don’t have time to change them because of uni exams (see De Boer still in there). Just wanted to post what I’d done. I will probably re-post my actual preferred order sometime over the next week (will only be marginally different anyway). My apologies that the profiles are shortened after the third round but as I said, I ran out of time and also at that stage, it’s a lucky dip and a lot of the guys I have listed could easily not get drafted.
- Second, this draft is near on impossible to predict. Many people are saying it could go completely different to what is ‘expected’. Part of the reason why I didn’t waste time corrected the selections.
- Thirdly, I have based my selections on various whispers I have heard. I have tried to align players who clubs who I know are interested, in the process I might be by-passing other clubs who could be interested but that’s how it goes. With most of the players I only know that a few clubs are talking to him, I don’t know how interested that club is or all the other clubs that have spoken to them (in most cases).
Priority Selection
Pick 1 – Carlton – Matthew KREUZER (13/05/89) 200/94
Kreuzer is a talented ruckman with good skills around the ground who has improved his intensity and physical presence this year. However, he is not the lock at pick one that many believe. There have been strong whispers over the past few weeks that the Blues are wavering on Kreuzer and are strongly considering fellow Victorian Trent Cochin or Claremont’s Cale Morton. The issue has been made even more cloudy after Carlton coach Brett Ratten stated publicly that Morton is the best prospect in the draft. When you combine this comment from the coach and the fact that the Blues recruiter Wayne Hughes has shown a strong penchant for tall athletic types, Morton is not to be discounted. Neither should Cotchin who is a player of immense talent. That said, my gut feeling is that the Blues will go with Kreuzer. If only for the fact that their midfield is looking very strong, and they are light on for quality ruckmen. The thought of Kreuzer linking up with the likes of Judd, Murphy and Stevens in the future will be too good to pass up. Carlton will also be aware that quality ruckmen are hard to come by for a side finishing in the top 8, which no doubt they plan to do from 2008 forward. So if they want a quality ruck, it might be now or never.
Round 1
Pick 2 – Richmond – Trent COTCHIN (07/04/89) 185/80
Cotchin ticks a lot of boxes; bottom-age, quality skills off both feet, good pace and footy smart. He has suffered from various injuries this year and has probably only shown form as a half forward pushing up onto the ball. Will he be the Tigers selection at 2? Who knows, it will probably be easier to flip a coin than decide. Assuming Kreuzer is selected by the Blues, then it looks like a race in two between Cotchin and Morton. There have been varying rumours on who the Tigers will select here. Some say they wouldn’t have traded for Mitch Morton if they didn’t want Cale and that Cale is very much a Richmond type of player because of his height and athleticism. Others argue that Cotchin is just what they need and is the better prospect because of his inside ability. There is little doubt that Cale has received interest from the Tigers, he was the first player they approached at the draft camp and there are rumours that head recruiter prefers him to Cotchin. However I will back the Tigers to go with the local boy based only on a hunch. Although it must be said I’m not doing it with any confidence whatsoever.
Pick 3 – West Coast – Chris MASTEN (02/05/89) 180/77
Make no mistake, West Coast want Trent Cotchin at this selection. Recruiting manager Trevor Woodhouse has signalled his intention more than once throughout the year. Cotchin is at the top of the WC draft list, there will be pleanty of fingers crossed on draft day he will slide down to pick 3. If he doesn’t, then expect West Coast to select young sharks on-baller Chris Masten. Masten has strong links with the club, both through Woodhouse and having worked at the club in the past 2 years. He is an inside player, with clean hands who can run all day – a genuine onballer. Masten has also been linked with Melb who have pick 4. His Sharks comrade Rhys Palmer and the highly regarded Cale Morton are also in the mix although WC may be wary of Morton after their experience with Mitch. A roughie this pick is young tall Ben McEvoy who has been linked with WC, although there is an outside chance he could last until their next pick at 13.
Pick 4 – Melbourne – Cale MORTON (18/01/90) 192/79
Considered by many a top 3 pick, Melbourne hadn’t expected Morton to be available until late in the year when WC secured pick 3. Its believed they have increased their interest in Cale over the past few weeks in the expectation he will be available at their first pick. Cale is bottom-age, very attractive height for AFL, highly skilled and very athletic both in terms of speed and endurance. It is believed Melbourne rate Chris Masten very highly along with his team mate Rhys Palmer. And without doubt Cameron would take Cotchin in the very unlikely event he slides to 4. Giving further weight to the notion the Dees will select one of the WA boys, they have apparently told a host family to prepare for a kid from Perth. Having secured pick 14, it seems certain they will go small here and tall at their second pick. If they did go tall then Lachlan Henderson and Ben McEvoy have been linked the Demons.
Pick 5 – WBS – Jarred GRANT (06/06/89) 192/77
Dogs could pull the first mini surprise of the draft and select Grant at pick 5. Word is that Scotty Clayton is very interested in this young forward. While some might argue the Doggies would be paying slightly ‘over the odds’, Clayton has shown in the past that doesn’t bother him as long as he rates the kid high enough. Clayton also made an interesting comment on radio a couple of months back when he was certain they bloke he wanted 5 (and 19) would be available at his respective selections. If Clayton wants Grant, he will have to take him at 5 because there is little chance he will be available at 19. An extremely athletic forward who is very creative and clever he will be an interesting player to watch on draft day. Young forward/ruck Ben McEvoy will also be in the Dogs thinking along with Vic tall Lachie Henderson. Its also believed the Dogs rate Masten and Morton highly, if they were available, it would be tough call for Clayton, although it seems his mind is made up.
Pick 6 – Ess – Ben McEVOY (11/07/89) 200/95
This may seem like a surprise selection given the Bombers need for midfielders but list manager Adrian Dodoro has said he will pick the best available, be it a midfielder, KPP or ruck. He also noted the number of midfielders the Bombers took in the 2006 draft. Essendon has been strongly linked with McEvoy for months and is very highly regarded. McEvoy is an accomplished ruckman/forward with good ruck ability, smarts and ethic. His pace off the mark isn’t great and if he slide on draft day, that could be the reason. He is a slight chance to go to WC or Melbourne and a very strong chance to end up at the Dogs at pick 5. If he did last until this selection the Bombers will have a ‘toss of the coin decision’ between he and Rhys Palmer. Brad Ebert and Cyril Rioli might come into play if both Palmer and McEvoy are gone.
Pick 7 – Fremantle – Rhys PALMER (13/02/89) 181/80
Fremantle have stated publicly their desire for midfielders. Phil Smart will be eyeing off Chris Masten and Rhys Palmer, neither could be available but the likelihood is one will slide. If that is the case, it’s hard to see Fremantle overlooking Palmer at 7. Palmer is a top-age hard at it midfielder who has the endurance of an AFL midfielder who showed outstanding form at WAFL level earlier this year. There is reasonable likelihood that both East Fremantle midfielders will be gone, if that is the case then expect the Dockers to consider taller types like Myers or possibly Ebert (although they are one of 2 clubs not to have spoken to Ebert).
Pick 8 – Brisbane – Lachlan HENDERSON (14/12/89) 196/92
Henderson has been seen as one of the standouts of this draft since the u16s, and even though his progress has been slowed by a broken leg he has undoubted talent. When on song he is quick, much quicker than his draft camp results suggest and he has potential to play CHB, CHF or FF. Many might see him as an unorthodox selection here however the Lions have shown reasonable interest in him and they have proven each year they will pick the best player available with the first selection, regardless of position. The fact Henderson could easily develop into a quality CHB should remove the pain for Lions supporters gunning for a midfielder. Henderson has also received strong interest from the Saints, so he might go at the next selection. If not, he shouldn’t get pas the Swans at 11.
Pick 9 – Saints – Cyril RIOLI (14/07/89) 177/79
Saints have shown significant interest in Cyril Rioli and David Myers while one would think they would be keen on Ben McEvoy if he lasted until this selection. But at this stage Rioli looks a good bet because of the pace, skill and goal kicking he will add to the Saints midfield in the future. He has been a very popular player with only two clubs choosing not to speak to him at the draft camp (Brisbane and Fremantle) while the Crows have shown the most interest followed by the Saints. There is a train of thought that he could slide because of a fear that he might only end up a forward pocket but a player of his pace and skill are few and far between in this draft. Brad Ebert will probably be in their thoughts as well. If the Saints decide to go for all then they have been linked strongly to Henderson and Gourdis.
Pick 10 – Adelaide – Brad EBERT (02/04/90) 188/85
Ebert is a bottom-age inside midfielder who could go as early as pick 4 but you wouldn’t think he’d last longer than the Crows first selection at 10. You could say he’s an ideal recruit for the Crows, a local who will provide leadership in the future and an option through the midfield. The Crows have been burnt by first rounders in the past and they would love to get a sure fire bet like Ebert. The Crows have publicly confirmed their interest in Ebert through club president John Reid and only 3 clubs haven’t spoken to him (Richmond, Fremantle and Bulldogs). If Ebert is gone, then the Crows will strongly consider Rioli who they have shown a lot of interest in (as mentioned above). In the unlikely event that both players are gone or the Crows decide to go tall then they have shown significant interest in Tayte Pears, having been in regular contact since early in the season.
Pick 11 – Sydney – Tayte PEARS (24/03/90) 190/92
Pears is a bottom-age key defender with outstanding pace (2.92 for 20m) who shapes as a potential full back in the future. The Swans are very likely to go tall with this selection because they need some tall depth in their list and also because they have secured Craig Bird later in this draft through promotion from their rookie list. Swans have shown a lot of interest in Pears (along with the Crows) and he shapes as a likely option at this selection. If the Swans decide to go down a different path then young Subiaco forward David Gourdis and Lachlan Henderson will come under consideration.
Pick 12 – Hawks – David MYERS (30/06/89) 191/86
Myers is a classy half-back/midfielder who has a very well rounded game. He has good pace, quality disposal, poise and footy smarts. Doubts on him ever becoming a 100min a game clearance winning midfielder might see him slide further than his ability should allow. He will probably be in the mix for all picks from pick 6 onwards. The Hawks rate him as the fifth best player in the draft and would be delighted to snare Myers at 12. He spoke to Collingwood, Hawthorn, WCE, Melbourne and the Saints at the draft camp. If he did slide to this range, its hard to see him getting past West Coast at the next selection.
Pick 13 – West Coast – Callan WARD (10/04/90) 185/73
Ward is somewhat of a bolter in this draft, his form improved as the year went on and could even push the top 10 on draft day. And its not hard to see why, he is very bottom-age, inside midfielder/forward with outstanding disposal. Clubs will hope that he will end up a prized goal kicking midfielder in the future. West Coast have been in regular contact with Ward this year but they have not been alone with a lot of clubs showing interest in him (11 clubs spoke to him at the draft camp including WC). Ward will be in the mix for West Coast’s second pick as its unlikely he will be available at their third (20 overall). Other players in the mix could be Jack Grimes, Scott Selwood, Tayte Pears or Patrick Veszpremi.
Pick 14 – Melb – Alex RANCE (09/10/89) 192/88
Rance is going to be a very interesting player to follow on draft day. There is a well founded belief he will slide down the expected order and could even fall into the 20s which might be surprise some junior footy followers. Rance is a key defender who finds a lot of the ball on the rebound and would be a good fit for a side like Melbourne who are always on the look out for tall defenders. And will probably look to take one at 14 after selecting a midfielder at pick 4. There is little doubt Rance is highly regarded with only the Saints opting not to talk to him at the draft camp. Its also expected the Rance family will follow Alex to wherever football takes him which removes the homesickness issue from the minds of interstate clubs.
Pick 15 – Roos – Scott SELWOOD (27/03/90) 185/80
Roos are believed to be very keen on Selwood and will consider him very strongly at this selection. He is a hardened, bottom-age half back flanker cum midfielder who has more pace than his brothers (X:XX), although he is still not quick per se. He is a solid selection and a good bet to become an AFL player, especially when you take into account his bloodlines. Port are believed to be keen on Selwood at the next selection if he gets past the Roos at 15. If the Roos decide against Selwood then a tall forward like Dave Gourdis or inside midfielders Jack Grimes or Patrick Veszpremi could be in their thinking.
Pick 16 – Port – Dave GOURDIS (24/03/89) 192/89
Gourdis is the x-factor of the 2007 draft, both in terms of his ability and where he could end up. His athletic capabilities are undoubted, his time of 2.83 for the 20m is outstanding for a midfielder, let alone a key position player. Some believe he could go top 10, others say he could slide out to the 20s. Being top-age, history indicates he will slide somewhat but his draft camp results may make him an exception to this trend. Port are keen on adding a key position player from one of their three selections and they have been linked to Gourdis and will look long and hard at him if he is available at their first pick. Gourdis has attracted the interest of the Swans and Crows so its conceivable he could go earlier in the first round.
Pick 17 – Cats – Jack GRIMES (11/05/89) 186/82
Grimes is an inside midfielder who is very strong in the contest and shows leadership potential. He has very good endurance (recoded beep of 15.10 earlier in the year) and although he may not look quick, his testing times were above average for a midfielder over the shorter distances. The Cats will probably look to draft the best available with this first selection and then look to replenish their tall stocks as the draft progresses. Grimes would have to be in the mix if this was the case as he is the safe, solid pick that the Cats have preferred over past seasons with their early selections. If not Grimes, then smalls like Selwood, Veszpremi and Dangerfield would be in the mix. If the Cats decide to go tall then Gourdis (if available), Rance, Pears or Notte will be in their thinking.
Round 1
Pick 1 – Carlton – Matthew Kreuzer
Pick 2 – Richmond – Trent Cotchin
Pick 3 – WC – Chris Masten
Pick 4 – Melb – Cale Morton
Pick 5 – Bulldogs – Jarred Grant
Pick 6 – Ess – David Myers
Pick 7 – Fremantle – Rhys Palmer
Pick 8 – Brisbane – Brad Ebert
Pick 9 – Saints – Ben McEvoy
Pick 10 – Adelaide – Alex Rance
Pick 11 – Sydney – Tayte Pears
Pick 12 – Hawks – Cyril Rioli
Pick 13 – WC – Jack Grimes
Pick 14 – Melb – Lachlan Henderson
Pick 15 – Roos – Scott Selwood
Pick 16 – Port – David Gourdis
Pick 17 – Cats – Patrick Vezspremi
Round 2
Pick 18 – Richmond – Patrick Dangerfield
Pick 19 – Bulldogs – Tony Notte
Pick 20 – WC – Callan Ward
Pick 21 – Melb – Chris Kangars
Pick 22 – WC – Levi Greenwood
Pick 23 – Ess – Addam Maric
Pick 24 – Fremantle – Steven Browne
Pick 25 – Brisbane – Brendan Whitecross
Pick 26 – Sydney – Tom Collier
Pick 27 – Adelaide – Andrew Otten
Pick 28 – Port – Marlon Motlop
Pick 29 – Hawthorn – Jackson Hall
Pick 30 – Adelaide – Mitch Farmer
Pick 31 – Pies – Steven Gaertner
Pick 32 – Roos – Robert Tarrant
Pick 33 – Port – Aaron Joseph
Pick 34 – Geelong – Dan McKenna
Round 3
Pick 35 – Bulldogs – Sam Reid
Pick 36 – Carlton – Ashley Arrowsmith
Pick 37 – Kangaroos – Tom Rockliff
Pick 38 – Adelaide – Tom McNamara
Pick 39 – Essendon – Darcy Daniher
Pick 40 – Fremantle – Dawson Simpson
Pick 41 – Brisbane – James Mulligan
Pick 42 – Saints – Brent Connelly
Pick 43 – Bulldogs – Jarrhan Jacky
Pick 44 – Geelong – Joseph Daye
Pick 45 – Hawthorn – Harry Croft
Pick 46 – Carlton – Scott Simpson
Pick 47 – Pies – Jack Steven
Pick 48 – Bulldogs – Jarred Petrenko
Pick 49 – Port – Pass
Pick 50 – Geelong – Matthew Lobbe
Round 4
Pick 51 – Richmond – Patrick McGinnity
Pick 52 – Brisbane – Hugh Sandilands
Pick 53 – Melb – Dean Putt
Pick 54 – Ess – Tom Bellchambers
Pick 55 – Fremantle – James Moss
Pick 56 – Brisbane – Harry Taylor
Pick 57 – St Kilda – John McCarthy
Pick 58 – Adelaide – Nick Salter
Pick 59 – Sydney – Craig Bird
Pick 60 – Geelong – Adam Donoghue
Pick 61 – Collingwood – Jaxson Barham
Pick 62 – Roos – Dayne Zorko
Pick 63 – Western Bulldogs – Easton Wood
Round 5
Pick 64 – Richmond – Pass
Pick 65 – Carlton – Pass
Pick 66 – Melbourne – Cruize Gartlett
Pick 67 – Western Bulldogs – Pass
Pick 68 – Essendon – Pass
Pick 69 – Fremantle – Kepler Bradley
Pick 70 – St Kilda – Pass
Pick 71 – Adelaide – John McDonald
Pick 72 – Ross – Pass
Pick 73 – Melbourne – Pass
Pick 74 – Fremantle – Pass
Pick 75 – Adelaide – Taylor Walker
-----------------------------------------
Note:
- Firstly, this is not how I want it ordered in an ideal world but I started these write ups about a week ago and don’t have time to change them because of uni exams (see De Boer still in there). Just wanted to post what I’d done. I will probably re-post my actual preferred order sometime over the next week (will only be marginally different anyway). My apologies that the profiles are shortened after the third round but as I said, I ran out of time and also at that stage, it’s a lucky dip and a lot of the guys I have listed could easily not get drafted.
- Second, this draft is near on impossible to predict. Many people are saying it could go completely different to what is ‘expected’. Part of the reason why I didn’t waste time corrected the selections.
- Thirdly, I have based my selections on various whispers I have heard. I have tried to align players who clubs who I know are interested, in the process I might be by-passing other clubs who could be interested but that’s how it goes. With most of the players I only know that a few clubs are talking to him, I don’t know how interested that club is or all the other clubs that have spoken to them (in most cases).
Priority Selection
Pick 1 – Carlton – Matthew KREUZER (13/05/89) 200/94
Kreuzer is a talented ruckman with good skills around the ground who has improved his intensity and physical presence this year. However, he is not the lock at pick one that many believe. There have been strong whispers over the past few weeks that the Blues are wavering on Kreuzer and are strongly considering fellow Victorian Trent Cochin or Claremont’s Cale Morton. The issue has been made even more cloudy after Carlton coach Brett Ratten stated publicly that Morton is the best prospect in the draft. When you combine this comment from the coach and the fact that the Blues recruiter Wayne Hughes has shown a strong penchant for tall athletic types, Morton is not to be discounted. Neither should Cotchin who is a player of immense talent. That said, my gut feeling is that the Blues will go with Kreuzer. If only for the fact that their midfield is looking very strong, and they are light on for quality ruckmen. The thought of Kreuzer linking up with the likes of Judd, Murphy and Stevens in the future will be too good to pass up. Carlton will also be aware that quality ruckmen are hard to come by for a side finishing in the top 8, which no doubt they plan to do from 2008 forward. So if they want a quality ruck, it might be now or never.
Round 1
Pick 2 – Richmond – Trent COTCHIN (07/04/89) 185/80
Cotchin ticks a lot of boxes; bottom-age, quality skills off both feet, good pace and footy smart. He has suffered from various injuries this year and has probably only shown form as a half forward pushing up onto the ball. Will he be the Tigers selection at 2? Who knows, it will probably be easier to flip a coin than decide. Assuming Kreuzer is selected by the Blues, then it looks like a race in two between Cotchin and Morton. There have been varying rumours on who the Tigers will select here. Some say they wouldn’t have traded for Mitch Morton if they didn’t want Cale and that Cale is very much a Richmond type of player because of his height and athleticism. Others argue that Cotchin is just what they need and is the better prospect because of his inside ability. There is little doubt that Cale has received interest from the Tigers, he was the first player they approached at the draft camp and there are rumours that head recruiter prefers him to Cotchin. However I will back the Tigers to go with the local boy based only on a hunch. Although it must be said I’m not doing it with any confidence whatsoever.
Pick 3 – West Coast – Chris MASTEN (02/05/89) 180/77
Make no mistake, West Coast want Trent Cotchin at this selection. Recruiting manager Trevor Woodhouse has signalled his intention more than once throughout the year. Cotchin is at the top of the WC draft list, there will be pleanty of fingers crossed on draft day he will slide down to pick 3. If he doesn’t, then expect West Coast to select young sharks on-baller Chris Masten. Masten has strong links with the club, both through Woodhouse and having worked at the club in the past 2 years. He is an inside player, with clean hands who can run all day – a genuine onballer. Masten has also been linked with Melb who have pick 4. His Sharks comrade Rhys Palmer and the highly regarded Cale Morton are also in the mix although WC may be wary of Morton after their experience with Mitch. A roughie this pick is young tall Ben McEvoy who has been linked with WC, although there is an outside chance he could last until their next pick at 13.
Pick 4 – Melbourne – Cale MORTON (18/01/90) 192/79
Considered by many a top 3 pick, Melbourne hadn’t expected Morton to be available until late in the year when WC secured pick 3. Its believed they have increased their interest in Cale over the past few weeks in the expectation he will be available at their first pick. Cale is bottom-age, very attractive height for AFL, highly skilled and very athletic both in terms of speed and endurance. It is believed Melbourne rate Chris Masten very highly along with his team mate Rhys Palmer. And without doubt Cameron would take Cotchin in the very unlikely event he slides to 4. Giving further weight to the notion the Dees will select one of the WA boys, they have apparently told a host family to prepare for a kid from Perth. Having secured pick 14, it seems certain they will go small here and tall at their second pick. If they did go tall then Lachlan Henderson and Ben McEvoy have been linked the Demons.
Pick 5 – WBS – Jarred GRANT (06/06/89) 192/77
Dogs could pull the first mini surprise of the draft and select Grant at pick 5. Word is that Scotty Clayton is very interested in this young forward. While some might argue the Doggies would be paying slightly ‘over the odds’, Clayton has shown in the past that doesn’t bother him as long as he rates the kid high enough. Clayton also made an interesting comment on radio a couple of months back when he was certain they bloke he wanted 5 (and 19) would be available at his respective selections. If Clayton wants Grant, he will have to take him at 5 because there is little chance he will be available at 19. An extremely athletic forward who is very creative and clever he will be an interesting player to watch on draft day. Young forward/ruck Ben McEvoy will also be in the Dogs thinking along with Vic tall Lachie Henderson. Its also believed the Dogs rate Masten and Morton highly, if they were available, it would be tough call for Clayton, although it seems his mind is made up.
Pick 6 – Ess – Ben McEVOY (11/07/89) 200/95
This may seem like a surprise selection given the Bombers need for midfielders but list manager Adrian Dodoro has said he will pick the best available, be it a midfielder, KPP or ruck. He also noted the number of midfielders the Bombers took in the 2006 draft. Essendon has been strongly linked with McEvoy for months and is very highly regarded. McEvoy is an accomplished ruckman/forward with good ruck ability, smarts and ethic. His pace off the mark isn’t great and if he slide on draft day, that could be the reason. He is a slight chance to go to WC or Melbourne and a very strong chance to end up at the Dogs at pick 5. If he did last until this selection the Bombers will have a ‘toss of the coin decision’ between he and Rhys Palmer. Brad Ebert and Cyril Rioli might come into play if both Palmer and McEvoy are gone.
Pick 7 – Fremantle – Rhys PALMER (13/02/89) 181/80
Fremantle have stated publicly their desire for midfielders. Phil Smart will be eyeing off Chris Masten and Rhys Palmer, neither could be available but the likelihood is one will slide. If that is the case, it’s hard to see Fremantle overlooking Palmer at 7. Palmer is a top-age hard at it midfielder who has the endurance of an AFL midfielder who showed outstanding form at WAFL level earlier this year. There is reasonable likelihood that both East Fremantle midfielders will be gone, if that is the case then expect the Dockers to consider taller types like Myers or possibly Ebert (although they are one of 2 clubs not to have spoken to Ebert).
Pick 8 – Brisbane – Lachlan HENDERSON (14/12/89) 196/92
Henderson has been seen as one of the standouts of this draft since the u16s, and even though his progress has been slowed by a broken leg he has undoubted talent. When on song he is quick, much quicker than his draft camp results suggest and he has potential to play CHB, CHF or FF. Many might see him as an unorthodox selection here however the Lions have shown reasonable interest in him and they have proven each year they will pick the best player available with the first selection, regardless of position. The fact Henderson could easily develop into a quality CHB should remove the pain for Lions supporters gunning for a midfielder. Henderson has also received strong interest from the Saints, so he might go at the next selection. If not, he shouldn’t get pas the Swans at 11.
Pick 9 – Saints – Cyril RIOLI (14/07/89) 177/79
Saints have shown significant interest in Cyril Rioli and David Myers while one would think they would be keen on Ben McEvoy if he lasted until this selection. But at this stage Rioli looks a good bet because of the pace, skill and goal kicking he will add to the Saints midfield in the future. He has been a very popular player with only two clubs choosing not to speak to him at the draft camp (Brisbane and Fremantle) while the Crows have shown the most interest followed by the Saints. There is a train of thought that he could slide because of a fear that he might only end up a forward pocket but a player of his pace and skill are few and far between in this draft. Brad Ebert will probably be in their thoughts as well. If the Saints decide to go for all then they have been linked strongly to Henderson and Gourdis.
Pick 10 – Adelaide – Brad EBERT (02/04/90) 188/85
Ebert is a bottom-age inside midfielder who could go as early as pick 4 but you wouldn’t think he’d last longer than the Crows first selection at 10. You could say he’s an ideal recruit for the Crows, a local who will provide leadership in the future and an option through the midfield. The Crows have been burnt by first rounders in the past and they would love to get a sure fire bet like Ebert. The Crows have publicly confirmed their interest in Ebert through club president John Reid and only 3 clubs haven’t spoken to him (Richmond, Fremantle and Bulldogs). If Ebert is gone, then the Crows will strongly consider Rioli who they have shown a lot of interest in (as mentioned above). In the unlikely event that both players are gone or the Crows decide to go tall then they have shown significant interest in Tayte Pears, having been in regular contact since early in the season.
Pick 11 – Sydney – Tayte PEARS (24/03/90) 190/92
Pears is a bottom-age key defender with outstanding pace (2.92 for 20m) who shapes as a potential full back in the future. The Swans are very likely to go tall with this selection because they need some tall depth in their list and also because they have secured Craig Bird later in this draft through promotion from their rookie list. Swans have shown a lot of interest in Pears (along with the Crows) and he shapes as a likely option at this selection. If the Swans decide to go down a different path then young Subiaco forward David Gourdis and Lachlan Henderson will come under consideration.
Pick 12 – Hawks – David MYERS (30/06/89) 191/86
Myers is a classy half-back/midfielder who has a very well rounded game. He has good pace, quality disposal, poise and footy smarts. Doubts on him ever becoming a 100min a game clearance winning midfielder might see him slide further than his ability should allow. He will probably be in the mix for all picks from pick 6 onwards. The Hawks rate him as the fifth best player in the draft and would be delighted to snare Myers at 12. He spoke to Collingwood, Hawthorn, WCE, Melbourne and the Saints at the draft camp. If he did slide to this range, its hard to see him getting past West Coast at the next selection.
Pick 13 – West Coast – Callan WARD (10/04/90) 185/73
Ward is somewhat of a bolter in this draft, his form improved as the year went on and could even push the top 10 on draft day. And its not hard to see why, he is very bottom-age, inside midfielder/forward with outstanding disposal. Clubs will hope that he will end up a prized goal kicking midfielder in the future. West Coast have been in regular contact with Ward this year but they have not been alone with a lot of clubs showing interest in him (11 clubs spoke to him at the draft camp including WC). Ward will be in the mix for West Coast’s second pick as its unlikely he will be available at their third (20 overall). Other players in the mix could be Jack Grimes, Scott Selwood, Tayte Pears or Patrick Veszpremi.
Pick 14 – Melb – Alex RANCE (09/10/89) 192/88
Rance is going to be a very interesting player to follow on draft day. There is a well founded belief he will slide down the expected order and could even fall into the 20s which might be surprise some junior footy followers. Rance is a key defender who finds a lot of the ball on the rebound and would be a good fit for a side like Melbourne who are always on the look out for tall defenders. And will probably look to take one at 14 after selecting a midfielder at pick 4. There is little doubt Rance is highly regarded with only the Saints opting not to talk to him at the draft camp. Its also expected the Rance family will follow Alex to wherever football takes him which removes the homesickness issue from the minds of interstate clubs.
Pick 15 – Roos – Scott SELWOOD (27/03/90) 185/80
Roos are believed to be very keen on Selwood and will consider him very strongly at this selection. He is a hardened, bottom-age half back flanker cum midfielder who has more pace than his brothers (X:XX), although he is still not quick per se. He is a solid selection and a good bet to become an AFL player, especially when you take into account his bloodlines. Port are believed to be keen on Selwood at the next selection if he gets past the Roos at 15. If the Roos decide against Selwood then a tall forward like Dave Gourdis or inside midfielders Jack Grimes or Patrick Veszpremi could be in their thinking.
Pick 16 – Port – Dave GOURDIS (24/03/89) 192/89
Gourdis is the x-factor of the 2007 draft, both in terms of his ability and where he could end up. His athletic capabilities are undoubted, his time of 2.83 for the 20m is outstanding for a midfielder, let alone a key position player. Some believe he could go top 10, others say he could slide out to the 20s. Being top-age, history indicates he will slide somewhat but his draft camp results may make him an exception to this trend. Port are keen on adding a key position player from one of their three selections and they have been linked to Gourdis and will look long and hard at him if he is available at their first pick. Gourdis has attracted the interest of the Swans and Crows so its conceivable he could go earlier in the first round.
Pick 17 – Cats – Jack GRIMES (11/05/89) 186/82
Grimes is an inside midfielder who is very strong in the contest and shows leadership potential. He has very good endurance (recoded beep of 15.10 earlier in the year) and although he may not look quick, his testing times were above average for a midfielder over the shorter distances. The Cats will probably look to draft the best available with this first selection and then look to replenish their tall stocks as the draft progresses. Grimes would have to be in the mix if this was the case as he is the safe, solid pick that the Cats have preferred over past seasons with their early selections. If not Grimes, then smalls like Selwood, Veszpremi and Dangerfield would be in the mix. If the Cats decide to go tall then Gourdis (if available), Rance, Pears or Notte will be in their thinking.
Dodoro has already said we would not be using pick 66 and i hope the toss up goes Palmers way 
