BigFooty Official 2011 BigFooty Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Selections Only)

[Snoop Dog]

Its on again......

Its that time of year again where we get together some of the best junior footy and state league watchers to act as Phantom Drafters ahead of this years National Draft. Its been described as a pretty weak draft and very even after 30 so it will be good to see where some players fall. As always there will be a bit of ‘foxing’ going on before the actual Phantom Draft which will happen after final lists are finalised.

Kick off

Wednesday will be the start of the National Draft. The Giants pre-selected players will go in over next 2 days or so.

Join in

The thread is one of the biggest hit every year and we love the comments from people who know particular players and want to comments / ask questions etc but pls remember its a really subjective thing and we dont want comments that arent constructive or abusive. These participants dont profess to be experts but watch enough to be dangerous and they are good enough to put themselves out there.

Participants (and why they were selected) this year are;

Adelaide – Wall-e (Thunderstruck has given up Crows this year and Wall-e gets his go – usually picks some great left fielders)
Brisbane – Quigley (Undoubtedly one of the best phantom recruiters and watch for his lengthy bios)
Carlton – Beowulf (hopefully he is on time this year)
Collingwood – Knightmare (showed his stuff last year and already has a mock 2011 Draft up this year)
Essendon – Foj1 (the best in the business – near perfect record!)
Fremantle – Chris25 (another of the most keen junior footy watchers and posters – will take some talent from SA / WA few have heard of)
Geelong – Ysaye (another from the West who has been around a while and whose selections are always on the dollars)
Gold Coast – Offsider (he knows his junior footy players very well)
GWS Giants – Snoop Dog (the wily veteran)
Hawthorn – Swannies (one of our longest serving and one of the best performers when you can compare him to the real deal)
Melbourne – Humble Minion (first year participant and the best TAC watcher going around)
North Melbourne – Jonts (new recruit......no pressure!)
Port Adelaide – Thunderstruck (one of our longest serving who has gone to the dark side to recruit for Port. Expect a few from NT Thunder to land)
Richmond – TFLUA – Tiger (our expert Tassie watcher who I think spends a fair bit of time watching TAC this year)
St Kilda – Monocle (2nd year up for this gun recruit from WA who spends to much time watching WAFL state league and Colts I suspect)
Swans – Raymann (New recruit – no pressure!)
West Coast – RoyalEagle (if anyone will fox in the Trial run its this bloke. Been the master for so long)
Western Bulldogs – HFF_07 (Good to have him on board – best state league watcher going around)


Participants.......please make sure

Same as usual. Keep the thing moving and make sure the bios are included so we get a sense of what you see in the player and why you selected them. If you are late Pm them to another participant with you preferred selections so they can post for you and keep it moving.

Priority Selections

As far as I know the only club which has formally activated is Brisbane so they are in but the rest are out for the purpose fo the Phantom.

Father / Sons

All father son selections are off limits until the start of Round 3. Ie if you want a f/s player you will need to take them before the start of Rd 3 or we will assume they are up for grabs.

Zone Selections

All zone selection players are available for selection in the trial run.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Draft Order

Giants Pre - Selected Players

1 GWS - Tim Mohr (Casey)
2 GWS - Tom Sundberg (Collingwood)
3 GWS - Luke Brown (Norwood)
4 GWS - Andrew Lovett (St Kilda / Unsigned)
5 GWS - Ryan Cook (South Fremantle)
6 GWS - Tom Lee (Claremont)
7 GWS - Brayden O'Hara (Central Districts)
8 GWS - Beau Wilkes (Claremont)
9 GWS - Ahmed Saad (Northern Bullants)
10 GWS - Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne)

National Draft

1 GWS - Stephen Coniglio (Swan Districts)
2 GWS - John Patton (Eastern Ranges)
3 GWS - Chad Wingard (Sturt)
4 Port Adelaide - Mitch Grigg (Norwood)
5 GWS - Billy Longer (Northern Knights)
6 Gold Coast - Liam Sumner (Sandringham)
7 GWS - Will Hoskin-Elliot (Western Jets)
8 Brisbane - Todd Elton (Dandenong)
9 GWS - Hayden Crozier (Eastern Ranges)
10 Adelaide - Dom Tyson (Calder Cannons)
11 GWS - Toby Greene (Oakleigh)
12 Richmond - Matthew Buntine (Dandenong)
13 GWS - Elliot Kavanagh (Western Jets)
14 Western Bulldogs - Michael Talia (Calder Cannons)
15 GWS - Sam Frost (Sandringham)
16 Melbourne - Jackson Paine (Sandringham)
17 North Melb - Brad McKenzie (Sturt)
18 Fremantle - Shane Kersten (South Fremantle)
19 Sydney - F/S Tom Mitchell (Claremont)
20 Essendon - Sam Docherty (Gippsland)
21 St Kilda - Shane Nelson (West Perth)
22 WCE - Fraser McInnes (Perth)
23 Carlton - Julian Dobosz (North Hobart)
24 Hawthorn - Michael Bussey (Eastern Ranges)
25 Geelong - Devon Smith (Geelong)
26 Collingwood - Jordan Lockyer (West Perth)

27 Brisbane Priority - Brodie Mihocek (Burnie)
28 GWS - Taylor Adams (Geelong)
29 Port Adelaide - Myles Bolger (South Fremantle)
30 Gold Coast - Andrew Boseley (Geelong)
31 Brisbane - Lewis Hender (Glenelg)
32 Adelaide - Sam Kerridge (Bendigo)
33 Richmond - Josh Waldhuter (Central Districts)
34 Western Bulldogs - Aseri Raikiwasa (Port Adelaide)
35 Melbourne - Alex Woodward (Sandringham)
36 North Melb - Marley Williams (Claremont)
37 Fremantle - Clay Smith (Gippsland)
38 Sydney - Brandon Ellis (Calder Cannons)
39 Essendon - Haydn Hector (Gippsland)
40 St Kilda - Waylen Manson (Claremont/Kururrungku)
41 WCE - Stephen Verrier (South Fremantle)
42 Carlton - F/S Dylan Buckley (Northern Knights)
43 Hawthorn - F/S Tom Curran (Oakleigh)
44 Geelong - Ben Brown (Glenorchy)
45 Collingwood - Jackson Merrett (Geelong)

46 GWS - Sam Gordon (Geelong)
47 Port Adelaide - Alex Forster (Norwood)
48 Gold Coast - Josh Tynan (Gippsland)
49 Brisbane - John McKenzie (South Launceston)
50 Adelaide - Adam Tomlinson (Oakleigh)
51 Richmond - Jimmy Webster (Glenorchy)
52 Western Bulldogs - Matthew Jacquier (Woodville West Torrens)
53 Melbourne - Daniel Markworth (Calder Cannons)
54 North Melb - Jordan Staley (Gippsland)
55 Fremantle - Murray Newman (Swan Districts)
56 Sydney - Nic Haynes (Dandenong)
57 Essendon - Thomas Sheridan (Calder Cannons)
58 St Kilda - Jordan Kelly (Dandenong)
59 WCE - Bradley Hill (West Perth)
60 Carlton - Lachlan Dalgleish (North Ballarat)
61 Hawthorn - Nathan Blee (East Perth)
62 Geelong - Max Duffy (East Fremantle)
63 Collingwood - Sebastian Ross (North Ballarat)

64 GWS - Jai Sheahan (Geelong)
65 Port Adelaide - Thomas Schwarz (Woodville West Torrens)
66 Gold Coast - Peter Yagmoor (Morningside)
67 Brisbane - NSW Scholarship Richard Newell (Western Magpies/Brisbane)
68 Adelaide - Sam Gibson (Box Hill)
69 Richmond - Willie Wheeler (Coburg)
70 Western Bulldogs - Mitch Wooffindin (Oakleigh)
71 Melbourne - Jack Charleston (Western Jets)
72 North Melb - Majak Daw (North Melbourne - rookie upgrade)
73 Fremantle - Cameron Shenton (Norwood)
74 Sydney - Brett O'Hanlon (Dandenong)
75 Essendon - Danny Butcher (Gippsland)
76 St Kilda - Henry Schade (North Hobart)
77 WCE - Devin McFarlane (Peel)
78 Carlton - Daniel Joseph (Glenorchy)
79 Hawthorn - Rhys Waters (Subiaco)
80 Geelong - Kieran Butcher (Peel)
81 Collingwood - NSW Scholarship Jarrod Witts (Sydney Uni)

82 GWS - Brett Eddy (Collingwood)
83 Port Adelaide - Anthony Tipungwuti (Gippsland)
84 Gold Coast - Alex Sexton (Redland)
85 Brisbane - Michael Hartley (Sydney Uni)
86 Adelaide - Patrick Rose (Port Melbourne)
87 Richmond - Jack Newnes (Northern Knights)
88 Western Bulldogs - Jackson Coleman (Sandringham)
89 Melbourne - Tory Dickson (Bendigo)
90 North Melb - Cam Pederson (North Melbourne - rookie upgrade)
91 Fremantle - Darren Pfeiffer (Norwood)
92 Sydney - Darren Mitchington (Dandenong)
93 Essendon - Jason Williams (Calder Cannons)
94 St Kilda - Blake Broadhurst (Subiaco)
95 WCE - PASS
96 Carlton - Dylan Orval (Oakleigh)
97 Hawthorn - Haydn Busher (Perth)
98 Geelong - Luke Blackwell (Claremont)
99 Collingwood - Jimmi Savage (Norwood)

 

[Chris25]

GWS Pre - Selected Players

# 1
Tim Mohr – Casey Scorpions
195 / 98 / 89
Bio : Been a super player at Casey this season and has been rewarded with a State Combine invite. Giants have a terrific array of junior flanker types but having played Cameron for most of the season as their key defender they will know that they need some support for he and boom recruit Phil Davis next year. Have seen a lot of the various state league comps and Mohr is the most impressive of the key defenders. Strong in the air and quick which enables him to play on a few different types. Also a good user of the ball. Has played very well on some terrific fwds and I think he along with Pendlebury would be the standouts. I fully expect a club such as hawthorn to try and trade with GWS for him and he wouldn’t come cheap (2nd 4th rounder). Doubt they will though as Giants will know with Davis, Mohr, Cameron up the back they will be very solid. Few others like Thoolen and Shinners from the VFL, Beard at Port, McGuiness at Norwood, Handley from Claremont would be a few others off the top of my head to press claims as chances for the real deal but this bloke.

# 2
Tom Sundberg – Collingwood (VFL)
183 / 83 / 88
Bio : What a story. Never knows if he is playing for Grammer or Pies until the Thursday night before the game. Listed player with the VFL side who has been listed in the bests in all bar a couple of games this year which is a tremendous effort. Is a Paul Licuria type who isn’t blessed with a lot of x factor but he sure can influence a game. His attack on the pill is relentless and he just runs all day. Nice neat left foot kick and is extremely good by hand. He is exactly the type Sheedy and Choco talk about when they say they want some midfielders who can protect the kids. Expect him there Rd 1.

# 3
Luke Brown - Norwood
181 / 79 / 92
Bio : Am pretty sure he was available last year for selection but was overlooked. Has been playing with Norwood seniors all year and has been absolutely outstanding. Coach Basset knows how to produce AFL ready players and he is no exception. Good size and as a 19yo has a body ready for AFL. Best suited to a HB or Wing for mine and will be ready to debut Rd 1. He could be one they on trade as the Giants have a few of his type and if so I would expect a Rd 2 selection at the least......if not earlier. Ps For the sake of the draft I have stayed away from some other 19yo’s I would take......except for one!

# 4
Andrew Lovett
St Kilda
Bio : Think was a near certainty to go to GWS post his acquittal but unsure given recent events. Still I like to presume innocence so he gets a spot and provides them with some run in the middle which will be handy given he has some excellent blokes inside the stoppage. If GWS dont take him then I would fully expect either Saad or Rose to get taken. Suspect Saad will get the nod as its well known they are keen on him and Sheedy has met a number of times now.

# 5
Ryan Cook – South Fremantle
185 / 85 / 88
Bio : Was one of the best and most consistent performers in the VFL before being delisted and heading to Perth. Should also be noted he played some very good senior footy for Collingwood seniors and was a much better performer than Stanley who is the same age. Has had an amazing year averaging over 20 possessions and was one of the best performers in the state side playing QLD. Have seen enough to know he hasn’t lost it and given Stanleys performances this year for the Suns I have no doubt he ticks the boxes the Giants will be looking for in the players they take to act as ‘protectors’.

# 6
Tom Lee – Claremont
194 / 94 / 91
Bio : The keen observers will remember spent some time with the Crows before being delisted after a year. Have seen a heap of him this year and whilst he has been very good he gets selected because of the potential on offer. Aint dissimilar to a Sean Tighe insomuch he is a very adaptable player who can go fwd, back, ruck or even play on a flank. Does all the basics well but its the 2nd efforts and competitiveness for a big fella that stands out. Full of potential and clubs will again be keen to trade for him.

# 7
Brayden O’Hara – Central Districts
183 / 79 / 87
Bio : Time may have passed O’Hara by and for many of us mere mortals who have longed to see the likes of Richardson, Sewell etc be drafted I fear this bloke may go the same path. Been a member of the all conquering Districts side and for those that have seen him will know he has one very important weapon....his feet. Is an elite kick with huge penetration and for a Giants side who lack a player like this off the Wing or HB he would be ideal. Has a strong body and should definitely be able to start and finish a season.

# 8
Beau Wilkes - Claremont
194 / 94 / 86
Bio : Giants are going to need some big blokes up the front and I have had Josh Smith and / or Daniel Havelburg pencilled in but have gone with Wilkes. His recent form has been outstanding as a fwd. I think he has kicked 5-6 goals on a number of occasions in the past few rounds. Very athletic for his size and very adaptable and since being delisted has obviously not given up hope of resurrecting his career. Obviously has the benefit of playing fwd or back but I expect him to stand alongside Izzy and protect him (to the extent he needs it I guess given how he is already striking fear into those that choose to back back into him). With Mitch Clark expected up the front I think these three can work pretty well together.

# 9
Ahmed Saad - Northern Bullants
175 / 74 / 89
Bio : GWS need a small fwd with a bigger body and the electric small fwd from the star studded Bullants side is the man I have settled on......largely bc he is the most likely to be drafted before they could rookie him Each of the others I thought about I am pretty sure would be still available later such as OBrien, Ross T, Rose, Richardson etc. Made a massive impression early in the year but has tapered for mine. Hasnt played a heap of VFL footy and has shown he has a massive amount of x factor. Defensively I think he has had some issues but from what I have seen of his recent games he is improving that.

# 10
Sam Dwyer - Port Melbourne
179 / 77 / 86
Bio : Really struggled with this last pick and couldnt decide between Dwyer, Blackwell, Tighe, Zorko, McCorkell, Mirra, Saad, Rose, Lynch, ODwyer, Cam Illett, Gibson and a real left fielder in Trinity Handley from Claremont. To be fair Blackwell and Saad / Rose were the ones I have really struggled to leave out but I think they will be around later whereas not sure this guy will be. Originally out of the Falcons and unlucky in many ways not to have been drafted by now (came close a couple of years ago) and to an extent has gone along a little unnoticed since bc he has had a few injuries. Only seen him live a couple of times but have seen a lot of vision of him over the years. Really classy midfielder type who looks to be a level above VFL and would have played AFL this year had he been on a list such was his form. He also has a penchant for big games knocking up some BOGs in some fairly big games for this year. He actually reminds me of an old Collingwood player in Murray Wrenstead. Got a fairly low centre of gravity and has a fair bit of time in his decision making. A very neat user who rarely wastes it as well. I think he will step in straight in to a GWS side on a HF flank and as a 2nd midfield rotation player.

Why not some of the others? Look any of the above I could have easily taken but I went for those I think GWS will need. Some of the inside mids above miss simply bc I rate Sundberg and Cook more highly. The talls I took were bc I think GWS lack talls in their current squad and dont have many who could play all 22 next year. I would seriously look at Trinity handley as a leigh brown type - hasnt got any press but I rate him as a player who could fill a role. I suspect many will say Saad has been committed to and they are probably right but I think he is form has tapered and frankly I would take Rose before him. In saying that Saad is as certain to go to GWS or be traded as any I would expect. I took Lovett for that spot so if not him then Saad comes in.

 

[Chris25]

# 1 GWS GIANTS
Stephen Coniglio
183 / 70 / 93
Recruited From: Swan Districts
Bio: One game sums up how good this kid is! In last years WAFL Grand Final this kid as a 16yo was 2nd best on ground behind arguably one of the greatest GF performances of all time behind Andrew Krakouer. Is he as good as David Swallow - I am not sure but it doesnt matter because they are both guns that will be 200 - 300 gamers for their clubs. Plenty has been written about his attributes so i wont go into it but there are no flaws in this kids game.

# 2 GWS GIANTS
John Patton
197 / 95 / 93
Recruited From: Eastern Ranges
Bio : Another outstanding junior for Giants and again a legitimate 200 - 300 game player barring serious injuries. Will look to hold down a key fwd post and may even be able to put in some games next year given how big he is now. But look like all young talls they will take time and he will be no different. Couple of blokes have got on top of him this year (hartley and boseley are two that come to mind) so I wouldnt be expecting him to dominate men anytime soon but in 2-3years time I expect a Carey / Brown / Cloke type fwd to emerge. I say those blokes bc he has all their attributes. Quick on a lead, terrific set of hands, gets around the ground well and so will ensure he is at plenty of 1:1 contests and if thats the case he will win more than he will lose.

# 3 GWS GIANTS
Chad Wingard
193 / 81 / 93
Recruited from : Sturt
Bio : Struggled a bit with this last choice as a few I am keen on but have gone with Wingard simply because I think he Coniglio, Shiels, Hampton and Treloar will provide a midfield group that the Giants can build their squad around. Wingard is a player I have seen a fair bit of and have never seen him play poorly. Does it all. Wins his own footy and delivers it beautifully. Can also go fwd and kick goals so is potentially a real match winner. Have seen a few of his games for Sturt this year and isnt out place amongst men already and in fact his game against Centrals the other day was a game where he showed a lot of poise at very stages.

 

[Thunderstruck]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Pick #4 Port Adelaide - Mitchell Grigg - Norwood 183cm 81kg D.O.B 02/01/1993

Port Adelaide are seriously struggling. It's a bit hard picking on needs for them because you can make a case for every postion on the ground. Their defence is like a rusty tin full of water with holes everywhere with key position players in doubt over their future (Carlisle, Trengove), their midfield just can't win the ball and lacks grunt and their forwards are inconsistent (Westhoff, Schulz) and mostly C grade (D.Stewart) or very young and raw (Butcher). Their rucks are weak and inexperienced, once Brogan goes they will need help for Lobbe, Redden is a bit off still. So no point picking on needs so it is best available.

Mitchell Grigg for mine has been the dark horse for this spot. I could have gone with Tyson or Hoskin-Elliot but went for the local boy who is a genuine midfield prospect, the sort you can build a side around. He goes out and plays consistent footballer every week. Has been in excellent form for Norwood reserves this season getting BOG many times and racking up the touches, 25-30 most weeks, clearly a class above that level. Grigg is a dominant inside midfielder who wins his ball at will but can translate that to damaging outside play in a flash, especially when using his ripping left-boot, he can hoof it when required. Smart player and plays the game above the shoulders...thinks things through and doesn't panic, picks the first option most times but he always seems to make the right decisions. Port need someone who can make any decision...so he's a good start. Ready to play...he's a workhorse but with a bit of hurt factor unlike most inside players. Can see him translating to a long term 250+ AFL gamer if injuries of course don't hamper his future.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 5 GWS
Billy Longer (Northern Knights)
202 / 95 / 93

Why : Any good developing side is going to need some A grade big blokes to feed the little blokes. Cats and Suns learnt that lesson and loaded up on them over recent drafts with great results.......the Pies are probably the best example of a side for a number of years who didnt and ultimately paid a price for it up until the recruitment of Jolly.

Longer quite simply is the best draft prospect in the pool (although last year I had him pretty clsoe with Bolger) and frankly would be able to play as a 2nd ruckmen next year quite comfortably....whether you would want to do that to him is a different issue. The improvements he has made over the 12 months are outstanding and his biggest improvements from what I can see have come in his tap work where he can go with either hand and pinpoint the tap. When you have the quality of mids GWS have this will be a crucial part of their chances of success. Works well around the ground and when I think of who you could liken him to I suspect maybe a Vardy from the Cats. They are both good around the ground, can take marks and play a link role and are pretty good below the knees. I thini the other thing is he has a good sense for the game and ability to get into dangerous positions forward or back.

 

[Offsider]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Gold Coast - Pick 6: Liam Sumner
DOB: 16/08/193 Height: 182 Weight: 70
Junior Club: Sandringham Dragons/St Paul's JFC (VM)

Gold Coast get the next best mid in Sumner, he has all the traits to become a star at AFL level. He is a real long term prospect, that will take a couple of years but definately has the talent and ability to become a real star, as good as anyone from this draft, which is what you want from a top pick. He has had some real dominant games this year and had a couple of reasonable games for Vic Metro, although he has been inconsistent.

BIO: Liam is blessed with all the skills, athletic ability, and more, but he is just a bit inconsistent atm, and does not rack up the big numbers that some draftees are capable of doing. He has very good pace, breaks the lines with sustained speed over distances and is capable of getting multiple disposals in a chain through hard running. He has a good leap, and is very agile and hard to tackle, he is very light atm but I have seen him stand in tackles which suggests that he has strength despite his slender frame. His skills are very very good, kicks really well on his right and is more than capable on his left, good over all distances, about 55m max so not super penetrating. Also shows good clean hands and nice creativity, makes good decisions and rarely turns the ball over, he is a smart footballer. Can win the ball on the inside and get dirty, breaks away from packs and gets clean clearances which is exciting. Very good on the outside with his run and carry. Not super big and powerful and yet tackles well, and he is a solid but not spectacular mark. The let down is his consistency, he is not your super consistent player who racks up the touches, nor is he a high possession winner, which needs to be addressed. I would like to see him find more ball inside, as he is quite capable, but generally he needs to get more of the pill. I am not sure if it is his game reading ability or his endurance, interested to know his beep test and 3km time, yet I have seen him run hard to get to contests.

All in all Liam has all the qualities to succeed and become a damaging player, who breaks lines and delivers cleanly.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 7 - GWS
Will Hoskin-Elliott (Western Jets)
182 / 73 / 93

Why: Was one of the kids that I was super keen on at the start of the year and has all the hallmarks of what recruiters like. 6ft midfielders, quick, agile, keep their feet in traffic, clean and good decison maker. Thats WHE and if it sounds like a wingmen from WCE many years ago then I would probably agree. He has that some sort of low to the ground feature that allows him to move through traffic at speed and then execute pretty cleanly. I can honestly see this bloke patrolling the wings of ES or MCG or Showgrounds. Has played fwd earlier in the career but more recently played in the middle and I think will settle in any midfield or flank type role. On draft day I wouldnt be surprised if he goes higher than #7.

 

[Quigley]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Pick 8 Brisbane

The aim of this practice run is to get guys out there so I am going by the book with this pick. It is a need for us but really I would pick several others before Elton if this were the proper thing rather than the practice run. I also haven't done a lot of write ups just yet as well so the guys that I put up might just be the guys I happen to have done

Todd Elton
DOB 29/4/93 Height 197 Wt 87

He is likely to go high because he is an intriguing mix of physical talent and game skills. At the moment though he has not really put it all together even playing against guys significantly smaller and less talented than himself. For a big tall with very good endurance he does not influence the game consistently enough. With all that said though its easy to be enticed by his highlights package.

He moves very nicely for a big guy and can link up well going through the middle of the ground becoming another midfielder with the ball. He is a balanced kick and weights his passes well. He is a right footer and much stronger on his preferred but he is capable on his left foot. He extends well for marks and takes the ball where it is very difficult for others to reach.

He is not a great leader in the forward line and tends not to lead to great spots. I like him more marking down back or in the middle of the ground. Overall I would rate him much more highly as a CHB prospect rather than a CHF. Behind the ball I think he can float into the contest more easily and then get off and present nicely as an option going through the middle of the ground. He can deliver into 50 from this position more easily as well. For someone who I rate as a pretty good field kick his kicking for goal is below par and this is another reason I would rate him more highly as KPD prospect.

He does a fair bit of rucking at junior level and he is solid in underage company. In the AFL he is undersized for a ruck but would be capable of competing against most second rucks who are really just key positions who are relieving the number 1 ruck. Athletically he is good for a key position and shows good endurance and nice closing speed. His agility in game situations looks excellent for someone his size. He is a big framed guy who I would expect to have a powerful build when he is fully developed. Think Leigh Brown / Tom Hawkins in this regard. Overall he really suits the current KP/Ruck model currently in vogue and the lack of KP depth this year probably helps him go higher than his performances would warrant. He is potential over performance.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 9 GWS
Hayden Crozier (Eastern Ranges)
184 / 70 / 93

Bio : For those that saw his first champs game he didnt do a great deal but from memory he kicked 2 goals and they were two of the best I have seen. I think it was the first he got but he collected it on the wing and had tremendous acceleration away from the contest ran 20-30 metres and then he duly slotted it and I swear to god not a person took a breath while the whole thing unfolded. After it I have never seen so much activity amongst the recruiters. He has elite speed and a magnificent sense for the goals. Whilst everyone has seen the 'mark' it should be noted he is as good a contested mark for his size as any of the years draft group and what is probably not known terribly much is that he can win his own footy. His contested possessions #'s at the Champs were good. I read a while ago that Sheahen referred to him as a Kade Simpson type.....I sort of see that but I am thinking more Dale Thomas / Nat Fyfe. Am I alone in that view?

Rationale : GWS dont have a heap of depth here. Hampton went fwd and looked sensational for them vs NT so he would be in the mix for down there I suspect now and of course Treloar has showed he is a dangerous proposition there to. Cooyou has been going pretty well for them as well but Crozier is all class!

 

[WALL-e]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Adelaide - Pick 10: Dom TYSON
DOB: 08/06/193 Height: 186 Weight: 82
Junior Club: Calder Cannons/Trinity (AGSV)

Adelaide WILL go a midfielder here, and likely every other pick they have in this draft. Dom shot up the rankings during Nationals nd exposed his abilityt o perform against quality. He did it again in the AGSV v APS match, easily best on for the loosing side.

BIO: Dom has a nice inside out quality about him. He possessed both the ability to get hard ball and extract as well as the decision making and disposal by fot of an outside mid to go along with his very hard running to recieve.

Big fan of his first step. He's not lightning quick, but that first step and smarts will allow him to both escape danger in close and be first to the footy in space.

Very rarely does Dom fumble with the footy and this enhances his ability to play inside mid. His hands are crisp and soft, and he generally makes good calls with the ball in tight. His tackling is very good. Shows the desire required to put on repeat tackles as is required at AFL level and his technique is solid. Add to his his nose for a clearance and his inside mid resume is quite polished already.

I'm caught as to his long term positioning. As he possesses qualities of both inside and outside players. He's averaged near 10 handball receives in TAC footy per match displaying his hard running work ethic, but wins contested footy (50% contested during Nationals) and clears the ball very well. His ability to use both feet and make smart decisions point towards some loose ball role.

Ideally I'd like to see him work on his burst speed. He's got good endurance and a great work ethic, but I'd like to see the Swan like ability to burst and hit top speed multiple times in a passage of play, because ideally, that's the role for him. Inside out. The ability to both get your own footy and then be a damaging accumulator.

Crows would be happy to include Tyson in their struggling midfield stocks.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 11 GWS
Toby Greene (Oakleigh Chargers)
180 / 78 / 93

Bio : One of my favourite players in the draft and the undisputed baby face of the group. Did not have him high on the list at the start of the year mainly bc I hadnt seen much of him - I had certainly been told to watch him. But what a year he has had, he hasnt put a foot wrong all year and so far culminated in AA selection and Metro's best player. In saying that I suspect a few think this selection is a reach for Greene and it may well be but come draft day he will go early and whoever gets him has taken Joel Selwood's mini me. Has the same appetite for the contest as Selwood and in an era where coaches place enormous emphasis on success at stoppages getting an elite contested ball winner around the stoppages will be valued highly. I think when he was growing up someone must have drilled into him the old notion of 'see ball get ball".....its how he plays the game. Toby is one of the best in the business at it and combines it with an ability to carry the ball as well and use it very efficiently....doesnt often make poor choices and gives you the impression he has that bit more time than maybe others. His testing has been good and he shows all the hallmarks of a very very good AFL player.

Rationale : I think i have the class in midfield group with blokes like Hampton, Wingard, Shiels, Coniglio, Treloar and the pace in WHE and Crozier so it was time for a genuine ball winner / accumulator. Height is probably the remaining area where some A graders are required.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 12 Richmond
Matthew Buntine (Dandenong Stingrays)
188 / 84 / 93

We have waited long enough for TFL. Sure he has been caught up with something and in accordance with the rules it would be Chris25 next pick which is this bloke. I am further comforted by Toadvines agreement. In saying all that I will happily swap with TFL if he prefers Kavanagh as I was struggling to decide between the two and ultimately resolved I would be rapt to have either.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 13 GWS
Elliott Kavanagh (Western Jets)
187 / 78 / 93

Bio: Bit of the Joel Selwood about this kid. Terrific junior who is an AIS graduate but in his all important draft year has spent little time on the ground having been plagued by hammy / knee injuries and its therefore got everyone a bit unsure where he goes. Over the injuries now and will be available I think for the remaining games and finals so we should get a better picture on where he is at. Irrespective he is a very good footballer as he showed in 2010. Got that natural height AFL clubs like their midfielders and is adept both inside and out. He is courageous, quick tested pretty well to date with a 15+ beep and a really good decision maker with ball in hand. All that and the perfect AFL midfielder size. In his games last year for the Jets he was listed in the bests in every game. His champs were also impressive for a bottom ager so he came in pretty hot and has genuine talent and if he impresses in next 2 months will push into top 10 I suspect.

 

[Yoda_]

Pick # 14: Western Bulldogs

Michael Talia
193cm
87kg
11/02/1993

Super talented kid who was a standout as an underager in the Cannons premiership team last year. Taken his game to another level in season 2011 culminating in selection in the All Australian team (Full Back).

He is a super kid who loves the contested stuff, a very good player one - on - one who often outmarks his direct opponent, he is very good overhead.

With the bulldogs light on in defence, Talia is (almost) a sure thing. With Lake coming to the end, Morris coming back from a broken leg, Williams always injured and Markovic only starting off (albeit late at 24), so didnt really want to hang around and pick a mature ager and have two state leaguers holding down the KPD.

Overall, the Bulldogs will probably go Talia here in the real thing, otherwise would of probably gone Smith or Waldhunter.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

# 15 GWS
Samuel Frost (Sandringham Dragons)
193 / 85 / 93

Bio: Probably my favourite player in this draft (but look I do have a few of them) and this kid is possibly a reach at this selection. He is an AIS grad and his performance vs NSW and QLD were v good at Champs and he displayed the enormous potential he has. He is an ex Volleyballer who runs like the wind and has elite speed and agility for a bloke his size and is as competitive as any bloke in the draft pool. He is a terrific mark and his speed also enables him to be a very attacking defensive player. His kicking is good but at times he can overplay the execution and butcher it a bit (particularly by foot) and whilst I think his club will need to do a little work with him it is probably more reflective of his # of games. The issue with Sam is that the results do not reflect the potential. A couple of v good games vs Div 2 sides and some indifferent form vs the Div 1 sides dont necessarily make great reading. Still kids arent recruited on results to date but rather what they can become. On that scale Sam Frost is right up there. I have seen him play every position up the spine as well as a wing. He can play it all and whilst I think he will ultimately end up as a key back he shouldnt be pidgeon holed just yet.

Rationale: If i went best available I probably wouldnt have hit Frost but bc I missed Elton I want a good one before my next pick comes around. Whilst there are still some midfield / flank types I rate a bit higher I personally think the draft opens up here. Prized last pick and wanted to get a tall before my next pick as am pretty sure a few of the better ones will be gone by the time of my next pick. Admittedly a bit speculative.....

 

[Humble Minion]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

16: Jackson Paine (Sandringham Dragons) 194cm, 87 kg.

Interesting tall with a lot going for him. He's got the height you want in a genuine kpp, and while he's not Jon Patton, he's already looking like developing a strong body. Hands good above his head, particularly one-out, is perfectly capable of ripping apart a weaker opponent once he gets on top. While I'm not sure about his raw pace, for such a big bloke he is very balanced and turns quickly - he lays a lot of tackles, and a kpf who can do that is like gold these days in the age of forward presses - too often the talls just lumber around helplessly and don't contribute much. Works hard, lots of 1%ers. He's also a surprisingly good crumber, from his own marking or from other people's. Very good bloke to have isolated one-out in the goalsquare while the rest of the defense stresses about keeping an eye on Watts. For all his size (and he'll be a monster when he fills out) in my book he's a smarts and finesse player rather than relentless runner who blows his opponents up or a pure strength/speed lead-mark-shoot type, and as such I think he and Watts will complement each other well.

The other string to his bow is his ability to play as a 'gorilla' defender. He was just exceptional there against VC in the pre-champs trial match, and I reckon this aspect of his game is really underestimated. With a bit of experience he could be a genuine dual-position kpp swingman, and there aren't all that many of them going around.

 

[Jonts]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Pick 17 Brad McKenzie
Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB 29/05/1993
Recruited from: Sturt (SA)
Style: Trent McKenzie/Gaff
Expected Range: 8-20
Bio: His strengths are his marvelous left boot, have seen him kick that would have been at least 65m heard on commentary that it was 71m long. Brad can kick 60m every time under pressure. His decision making skills are second to none, at the start of the year he was regarded as the best SA boy behind Wingard. His work rate is one of the highest in the draft, as he constantly works to get in the right position. His weakness though would be his speed, which is why his high work rate is an important attribute. Need to put some muscle on his frame as he is fairly scrawny at the moment and this affects his tackling.
Why North? North Melbourne needs some height in their midfield and a rebounding half back flanker. Brad gives North the opportunity to build them both. North Melbourne also don’t have any booming (pun intended ) kicks in there side and he will become a great offensive weapon for them going forward, look forward to Brad easily hitting Petrie at FF from 65 out time after time.

 

[Chris25]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Pick 18 - Fremantle
Shane Kersten (South Fremantle)
191 / 90 / 93

Bio: In a draft class that isn't full of KPP talent, Kersten is one of the standouts in my opinion. Having said that, I'd have Kersten as a first round talent regardless of how the deep the draft went.

Some people have referred to Kersten as being an undersized KPP, but is 191cm really that undersized? I'd take a strong, hard leading 190cm guy over a lanky 198cm forward any day. And that's exactly what Kersten is - hard hitting, quick on the lead and a strong mark. He also has a long and accurate kick on him, which is pretty handy for a full forward.

As most people know, he was invited to the draft combine last year by GWS and I'm surprised he didn't get picked up. He was dominating Colts football last year and kicked averaged 3 goals a game for WA in the U18 Championships playing as an underager. While at the draft combine, Kersten finished in the top 10 for both the 20m sprint and the repeat sprints. So I don't think I have to tell you, is he quick and he uses that speed well on the lead.

Kersten has compared himself to Brendan Fevola in the past, and it's not a bad comparison really. Although I'm going to go with Jack Riewoldt instead. He shares a lot of their positives - on the defensive side of things he is hard hitting and does have that burst to run down players when he wants to. But he also shares a lot of their negatives - my main worry was inconsistency and him staying involved in the game. He isn't the highest possession winner, but on the weekend he finished with 20 possessions. So more of that, and my worries will quickly disappear.

If it wasn't for injury forcing Kersten to miss the U18 Championships this year, I don't think there is any doubt he would be right up there in top 15 discussions.

Why Fremantle? Ultimately this pick came down to Kersten and the other WA tall Fraser McInnes. I've been critical of us not playing a genuine full forward this year, Bradley started well but isn't suited to playing at full forward and well Anthony has struggled with both form and injury this year. Kersten should straighten us up, and also allow the likes of Bradley and Mayne to play with a bit more freedom.

 

[Chris25]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Raymann PMed me his pick yesterday...

Pick #19 - Sydney
Tom Mitchell (Claremont)
180 / 73 / 93

I did consider taking Tom as my second pick (as the rules would allow), but in the interest of fair play I have selected Tom with the swans first selection.

Wow, what a bargain at pick 19 as Tom is the stand out Father Son selection for this year’s draft. There is no doubt that Tom is a top 10 pick, and maybe a top 5 pick. Tom is a gun! He is a hard running inside mid with a dynamite left foot kick. A handballing machine that reminds me of the former bulldog star Scott West. He will compliment the swans midfield group which is starting to shape as a young elite group that should have every Swans fan excited when you consider fellow left footers in Hannebery & Jack along with Kennedy et al.

Tom has been on Sydney’s radar since he was 14 but after his U16 nationals where he averaged 33 touches every club wished his father had played 100 games with them. Tom was an AIS member 2010. Injuries have held Tom back over the last 18 months but he was able to play the last 2 games for WA in this years U18 Nationals. In both games Tom showed he had lost nothing and outperformed some of the other WA big guns in Conigilio & O’Meara, averaging 28 touches and 3 tackles per game.

Ecstatic with this selection and look forward to Tom playing 200+ for the Bloods.

 

[foj1]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Pick 20 Essendon Sam Docherty Gippsland Power
Thanks Chris inadvertantly picked Mckenzie as I missed a page of the thread!
Docherty has a mountain of upside- He is super quick, takes the game on and runs through lines. Uses the ball well and has AFL athleticism. Docherty has had some issues with injuries during his junior career but it seems to be coming together for him now. Docherty is currently ranked 8 on my board and thus gets selected here.
I think Docherty can play next year at half back and would allow Heppell to move into the midfield/
Other consideration was Devon Smith but with Davey, Jetta and Colyer I just feel we have his spot covered.

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Monocle Selection 21 Shane Nelson West Perth Football Club 178cm

Shane Nelson is hard at it inside midfielder, he loves to rack up possesions and is a clearance machine.
He uses the ball well and has a good defensive game.
He is very hard to tag as he runs all day which showcases he has very good endurance
Will be a very good player, and a good pick up at this range.

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Selection 22 West Coast Eagles

Fraser McInnes Perth Football Club 197cm's

Struggled with this selection as I had a roughie I wanted to select.

But couldn't go past Fraser McInnes.
Fraser is a natural defender one of the few to go through the WA academy since Tatye Pears that has always been a defender.
This means he naturally read's the play well, and is a good one on one defender.
He is a great size, and add that with his mobility and pace he is a bargain at this stage.
Missed the championships with injury but has come back strong and will be in the colts allstars side when announced.
Is now playing seniors for Perth footy club, he is one I think that will adjust well to AFL footy.
I suspect he will test well at draft camp, and rocket up to maybe top ten selection.
Personally feel he is the best defender in this draft.

 

[beowulf]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

My timing is good for a change.

The question Carlton will have would be, must we use this pick on Dylan Buckley? My answer is no.
Too many clubs have potential F/S issues coming up over the next couple of years to be unrealistic this year. The Blues will need to use their next pick, certainly, and it is a better fit for where Buckley is at the moment.
So:

Selection 23: Carlton
Julian Dobosz (193cm forward - North Hobart)

Carlton want a key forward and some running players with good kicks. Don't expect Carlton to recruit anyone this year who doesn't have a better than average kick.
I selected Dobosz on his potential and his ability to play key forward. At 193 cm he is a good height. He is relatively new to the game and showed enough in the championships to suggest he has a future, even though he may have to wait a year or so to have the body to do the job properly.
I read elsewhere of Dobosz being compared to Taylor Walker: he certainly has the ability to kick goals from few possessions like Walker does, but I feel he has a much better attack on the ball. Also expect him to do the unusual and unexpected, as a newcomer he doesn't really know what he is supposed to be able to do, so he manages some things you wouldn't believe. At other times, when it doesn't work, it can be ... messy. But he will learn and has enough athleticism to make an impact at senior level.

Other possible choices for this pick would be:
[1] Michael Bussey (Eastern)
[2] Sam Gordon (Geelong)

 

[swannies]

Re: Big Footy Phantom Draft Trial Run - (Discussion Thread)

Really sorry guys, I reminded myself Tuesday night we were a go, and then got lost in work.

OK, I'm down to 3 - Lockyer, Smith and Bussey - but I note Splendini's reaction to Bussey and he is sounding like another player I know and love. I wanted a defender for the hawks, because I think midfield stocks and forwards seem set and they need a bigger bodied defender, which I think discounts Lockyer.

Having said all that, and I apologise, I'm doing this on the run, I will select Bussey, with the assumption we can turn the "hardness" aspect around.

Be back later.