BigFooty Official 2023 Bigfooty Phantom Draft

PMBangers · Oct 30, 2023

Round 1
Pick 1 - West Coast Eagles - Harley Reid
Pick 2 - Gold Coast Suns - Jed Walter (Matched bid) [Picks 24, 26 and 27 used to match, 203 points in the bank for next match]
Pick 3 - North Melbourne - Colby McKercher
Pick 4 - North Melbourne - Daniel Curtin
Pick 5 - Hawthorn - Zane Duursma
Pick 6 - Western Bulldogs - Nick Watson
Pick 7 - Gold Coast Suns - Ethan Read (Matched Bid) [Picks 30 and 34 used, 58 points for next match]
Pick 8 - Melbourne - Nate Caddy
Pick 9 - GWS - Ryley Sanders
Pick 10 - Geelong - Connor O'Sullivan
Pick 11 - Western Bulldogs - Jordan Croft (Matched Bid) [Picks 46, 48, 50 and 51 used, 101 points for next match]
Pick 12 - Essendon - Caleb Windsor
Pick 13 - Adelaide - Darcy Wilson
Pick 14 - Melbourne - James Leake
Pick 15 - Sydney - Zane Zakostelsky
Pick 16 - St Kilda - Ollie Murphy
Pick 17 - Adelaide - Harry Demattia
Pick 18 - North Melbourne - Mitch Edwards
Pick 19 - Gold Coast Suns - Jake Rogers (Matched Bid) [Picks 36, 60 and 65 used, 45 points for next match]
Pick 20 - GWS - Luamon Lual
Pick 21 - North Melbourne - Arie Schoenmaker
Pick 22 - North Melbourne - Riley Hardeman
Pick 23 - Hawthorn - Will McCabe (Matched bid) [Picks 42 and 45 used, 124 points for next match]
Pick 24 - Collingwood - Archie Roberts
Pick 25 - Adelaide - Taylor Goad
Pick 26 - St Kilda - Lance Collard
Pick 27 - Carlton - Koltyn Tholstrup

Round 2
Pick 28 - West Coast Eagles - Charlie Edwards
Pick 29 - Geelong - Joel Freijah
Pick 30 - Carlton - Ashton Moir
Pick 31 - Richmond - Archer Reid
Pick 32 - Brisbane - Angus Hastie
Pick 33 - Essendon - George Stevens
Pick 34 - Collingwood - Will Green
Pick 35 - Gold Coast Suns - Will Graham (Matched bid) [Pick 65 gobbled up. Deficit of 190 points applied to Gold Coasts 2023 2nd round pick]
Pick 36 - Fremantle - Luke Lloyd
Pick 37 - Hawthorn - Calsher Dear (Matched Bid) [Pick 46 used]
Pick 38 - Essendon - Tew Jiath
Pick 39 - West Coast - Wil Dawson
Pick 40 - Brisbane - Phoenix Gothard
Pick 41 - St Kilda - Harvey Johnston
Pick 42 - Richmond - Koen Sanchez
Pick 43 - Melbourne - Clay Hall
Pick 44 - GWS - Lachie Charleson

Round 3
Pick 45 - Sydney - Caiden Cleary
Pick 46 - Fremantle - Shaun Mannagh
Pick 47 - Brisbane - Cooper Simpson
Pick 48 - Brisbane - Joe Fonti
Pick 49 - Sydney - Jack Delean
Pick 50 - Western Bulldogs - Kane McAuliffe
Pick 51 - North Melbourne - Logan Morris
Pick 52 - West Coast - Will Patton
Pick 53 - GWS - Vigo Visentini
Pick 54 - Fremantle - Sam Clohesy
Pick 55 - Essendon - Michael Rudd
Pick 56 - Hawthorn - Nathan Philactides

Round 4
Pick 57 - Hawthorn - PASS
Pick 58 - Fremantle - Thomas Anastasopoulos
Pick 59 - Richmond - PASS
Pick 60 - Brisbane -PASS
Pick 61 - Richmond - PASS
Pick 62 - Western Bulldogs - Kade De La Rue
Pick 63 - Carlton - Aiden O'Driscoll
Pick 64 - Western Bulldogs - PASS
Pick 65 - Port Adelaide - Jack Callinan
Pick 66 - Western Bulldogs - PASS
Pick 67 - Geelong - Billy Wilson
Pick 68 - GWS - PASS
Pick 69 - Carlton - Sam Van Rooyen
Pick 70 - GWS - PASS
Pick 71 - Collingwood - Will Lorenz

Round to get Port Adelaide to reach the two minimum selections
Pick 72 - Port Adelaide - Tarkyn O'Leary

MINI DRAFT (2024 First Round)
Pick 1 - West Coast Eagles - Jagga Smith
Pick 2 - North Melbourne - Josh Smillie
Pick 3 - Hawthorn - Finn O'Sullivan
Pick 4 - Gold Coast Suns - Sid Draper
Pick 5 - Fremantle - Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane F/S)
Pick 6 - Richmond - Christian Moraes
Pick 7 - Geelong - Tyler Welsh (Adelaide F/S)
Pick 8 - Essendon - Tom Gross
Pick 9 - Adelaide - Sam Lalor
Pick 10 - Gold Coast Suns (From Western Bulldogs) (Pie 4 Life to select) - Leo Lombard (GCS Academy)
Pick 11 - Sydney -
Pick 12 - St Kilda - Archer Day-Wicks
Pick 13 - Melbourne - Kade Herbert
Pick 14 - Fremantle (From Port Adelaide) - Phoenix Hargrave
Pick 15 - GWS - Murphy Reid
Pick 16 - Carlton -
Pick 17 - Brisbane -
Pick 18- Fremantle (From Collingwood) -
Pick 19 - Sydney (From North Melbourne PP) -
Pick 20 - Gold Coast Suns (From North Melbourne PP) -

Monocle · Oct 31, 2023

Pick # 1. West Coast . Harley Reid. 187cm 85 kg. Bendigo Pioneers. Midfield Forward.

Nothing really more to say, you all know why, best available and fits a need.
Been touted as the number 1 pick for over 18 months ...... it now happens.
If you don't already know about his footballing ability, then you have been living under a rock the last two years.

roos_fanatic08 you are on the clock.

PMBangers · Oct 31, 2023

Jed Walter
194 cm 97 kg
Tall Forward

Arguably the gold standard for Key Forwards in the draft from this point out, there's not much that Walter doesn't do as a footballer let alone a forward target. The athleticism, marking, strength and skills are obvious, but what sets Jed apart from other KPF's that have come through the system is his hunger in the defensive phase of the game, chasing opposition hard to lay a tackle when they win the ball, and throwing himself at anything loose in his area.

At 97 kg already he's likely to fit into the Suns line up from Round 1 onwards, partnering with Ben King for, hopefully, a long time, with Jed's ability in packs and grapples likely to compliment King's style and give the Suns midfielders a reliable target regardless of situation.

The only fault in Jed's game is probably his agility, with his lateral movement not quite as smooth as you'd absolutely love to see, but it's nitpicking for the sake of it
roos_fanatic08 go again x2

roos_fanatic08 · Oct 31, 2023

Pick 3 - North Melbourne - Colby McKercher - Tasmanian Devils - 182cm & 78kg.

North are simply in no position to be picking and choosing, when it comes to the top end of the draft we simply have to take best available. While we have plenty of midfield depth, we don’t have players that can consistently accumulate the footy and cover the ground with ease. That’s where McKercher offers a point of difference to our other developing midfielders in LDU, Phillips, Wardlaw, Thomas and Powell.

Because of our midfield depth North can take their time with McKercher and allow him to develop his body before unleashing him in the big leagues. He has so many attributes that make him perfect for modern day footy: dynamic movement, agility, endurance, a powerful burst of pace, stacks of footy IQ and sound decision making.

As a midfielder, he finds the ball in and around the stoppages as both a primary ball winner and first receiver. He then uses his speed to burst away from the contest, which is a real highlight of his game. From there his damaging left foot comes into play, often kicking inside 50 lace out to his leading forwards. McKercher has an innate ability to find the footy on the outside too, racking up plenty of uncontested footy all across the ground. He loves to get involved in link up play and he uses his running capacity to great effect.

This year he predominantly played as a pure centre square midfielder, given the freedom to play his own game. His talent was on show no matter what level he played at. He averaged a smidge under 33 disposals per game for the Allies and was the runner up Larke Medalist. At NAB league level he was Tassie’s premier midfielder and averaged 29.5 disposals per game. He also doesn’t mind getting forward of centre and impacting the scoreboard as he was a consistent goal kicker across both levels. However, he can at times be a little wayward in front of goals.

The three biggest critiques of his game would be his one sided-ness, his kicking consistency and his overall physicality. I’d say his opposite disposal will improve over time, but it’s one thing he needs to work on. He can sell himself into trouble at times trying to find space to get to his left foot. At times he can also over kick the ball, but in a full time AFL environment I wouldn’t think this will be a long term issue. While he had no worries in and around the contest, he is by no means a bash and crash type, more relying on his footy IQ to find the footy. He’ll have to improve this side of his game to get the most out of himself at AFL level.

As an AFL footballer, I think he’ll start off as a hard running wing and transition to becoming a genuine mid across the space of a few seasons. He’ll be a slower burn than some might expect as he has to add a good 4-5kg to his frame to withstand the mature bodies of AFL level.

An exciting pick who will no doubt be a 200+ game player.

roos_fanatic08 · Oct 31, 2023

Pick 4 - North Melbourne - Daniel Curtin - Claremont - 197cm & 95kg.

With Ben McKay walking out the door and Griffin Logue on the side lines for an extended period of time, North need to start loading up on developing talls to start shoring up their spine. Thankfully, there is a player around this pick who more than justifies getting selected, and that is the highly touted Dan Curtin.

Curtin's footballing ability has been in the spotlight over the last 2 years, and outside of Harley Reid, there hasn't been an under age player more talked about, and rightly so. Curtin has so many attributes that could result in him becoming a force at AFL level. He is tall, agile, classy, composed, versatile and has natural footy smarts. A combination of things that are rare for a player who is 197cm.

As a defender, Curtin has an innate ability to position himself in areas where he can either intercept or at least impact the play. At this early stage he isn't a prolific intercept marker, but he has more than enough tools to play that role at AFL level. With ball in hand, he rarely makes bad decisions, using his composure and agility to find space and make the most of his possessions. Defensively, he backs himself to beat his direct opponent and he uses his closing speed to good affect. At this stage, he isn't the best one on one physical defender, but he has a frame that will allow him to add muscle that will allow him to compete in the one on one contests. At stages this year he also showed his wares as a midfielder, while I don't think he ends up as a midfielder at AFL level, he showed plenty enough to suggest that he can play other positions around the ground. His stoppage craft and ability to step would be tacklers is impressive. His vision and once again his composure ensure that he makes best use of the footy.

The biggest critique of his game would really only be his marking, ground balls and perhaps his strength at this early stage. The strength will come, and I have no doubt his marking consistency will improve once he is in an AFL environment.

As an AFL footballer, I think he’ll start off as a third tall defender before transitioning to becoming a genuine Key defender within the space of a few seasons. With his professionalism, drive and leadership credentials, I think he is a sure thing to be a 200+ game player.

TDS7 Hawks are on the clock.

TDS7 · Oct 31, 2023

Pick 5 - Hawthorn - Zane Duursma - 189cm 79kg - General Forward

Zane Duursma

Weapons:
Aerial Presence
Forward Craft
Scoreboard Production

Weapons are a players point of difference, what makes them truly stand out and the tools they can use to win games. For Duursma, I can see him coming into the league and amazing with his aerial feats. This kid puts it all together once he gets a metre off the ground, he has the athleticism to get above everyone in a pack, the reach to get his hands to the footy first, and the composure to pull the footy down once he gets his hands on it. Duursma couples this aerial insanity with incredible forward craft, and he uses his smarts to make the most of every opportunity that goes forward. The Hawks had some major problems going forward this year, and our last kicks inside 50 seemed to lack the intention and grace of the famous Hawthorn forwardlines of the past decade. Duursma is the perfect player for us for this reason, he's a threat in a pack, one-on-one out the back, and as an option further up the ground for that last kick in. His positioning one-on-one is great, he typically tries to lead his opponent past the drop zone and bank on his leap and reach to grab a mark at it's highest point. Once the ball hits the ground, Duursma shows why everyone wants to turn this kid into a midfielder. His clean hands in the air become footy vacuums at ground level, and he puts his agility and speed to use finding just enough space to get off a kick. Duursma is a mismatch for any third defender, too quick off the mark for a player who could match him in the air and too good above his head for players fast enough to match him in space. Where he really shines is forward 50 stoppages, where he will collect the footy from a tap or quick flick out at top speed in perfect stride and streaming into space. Putting all this together, you get a player who creates goals for his team like no (well, one) other in this draft, who scores from any angle, is a threat in a pack, and a menace at a stoppage. He'll come into the league looking to be Bailey Fritsch with better hair and more impact higher up the ground, and the thought of that player should excite any Hawks fan.

Strengths:
General Athleticism
Short Kicking
Burst Running
Stoppage Craft

Improvements:
Long Kicking
Endurance

Key to Duursma's presence in the forwardline is his athleticism. While his actual numbers are great individually, it's the combination of them all that makes him an absolute nightmare for opponents. He probably won't be faster and a better leap than every defender, but he will be at least one of those 99% of the time. Duursma is a high-energy athlete, but his endurance suffers if asked to run too much up the ground. You wouldn't want him on a wing or off half-back, but as a forward he can make every burst of energy worth it. His disposal around the ground varies from very good to iffy. In short, up until about 40 metres, Duursma is very clean and can hit targets from all angles with deft precision. Beyond that range, his kicking goes from great to just okay and he hooks his kicks to try and get those few extra metres. He's gotten a lot better over the season with this, but there's still times he'll line up from 45 out and hook it wide going for that extra bit of distance. With the right coaching who knows how he'll improve it, but it will need ironing out especially if he wants to play higher up the ground. Duursma's stoppage work is an absolute treat to watch, and building his scope as a midfielder is built around his work in congestion. If he can build up his endurance base and start to get into stoppages further up the ground, even as a forward, he'll be tearing open games in no time.

Development Timeline

0 - 1 VFL Development Years

Duursma is a player who could come right into a team and be a menace against the fourth best defender. A forwardline like Hawthorn's is perfect for his development, with a few strong key forwards taking a lot of attention and some high-half forwards pushing up the ground and leaving a bit of space to operate. He's still a slight player for some of the leagues general defenders, and it might do him some good to give him a break through his first couple of seasons in the VFL.

Others Considered:

Nick Watson - Hawk's board favourite and the next in line. Will be a dynamite player, but doesn't offer the range of threats Duursma does.

goodcop badcop

goodcop badcop · Nov 1, 2023

Nick Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatson you beauty

Pick 6 - Western Bulldogs - Nick Watson

ModernArtillery you're up

PMBangers · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 7 - Gold Coast Suns - Ethan Read

202cm 92 kg
Ruck

I'm really high on Read as a prospect, but I am also a sucker for talls with the mobility of smalls generally. Read is almost the picture of 'plays smaller than he is' in the sense that his ability at ground level and skills are just ridiculous for a ruck, along with his running capacity and general mobility making him able to cover ground with great ease.

I don't think Read ends up a ruck at the next level, I think his traits and Gold Coast's list position will see him deployed as a CHB with the freedom to roam up the ground when he's at his pick, making use of his height in dangerous areas but not limiting his impact when the balls further afield.

As it stands, he's got some work to do in building up his size and strength before consistently impacting at AFL level, but I do think he's got the potential to play some games next year injuries pending

ModernArtillery · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 8 - Melbourne
Nate Caddy
193cm 88kg
Northern Knights / Vic Metro

With the loss of Jackson and Max Gawn nearing the end of his career, I felt like Ethan Read would be the perfect fit here for Melbourne. Of course, that was never going to happen but a bid from the Dees (if it doesn't come earlier) makes a lot of sense to me.

Melbourne's depth has taken a bit of a hit, so a legitimate case could've been made for the other top tier prospects in this range (O'Sullivan and Sanders). Ultimately it came down to Sanders and Caddy for me and I couldn't pass on the positional value that Caddy offers. I love his ceiling and while Melbourne will need to give him some time to build, I think he could be a dominant forward for years to come.

Caddy's a pretty special vertical athlete and has a nice combination of speed and strength that make him a difficult 1 on 1 match up. It seems silly to compare him to Charlie Curnow, though I think Caddy will be a similarly slowish burn who over time, I project will be able to impact the game in similar ways.

PMBangers you’re up for GWS

PMBangers · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 9 - GWS - Ryley Sanders
185 cm 86 kg

Going to copy the RMC draft profile since I wrote it;

Ryley Sanders

A picture of consistency in midfield, Ryley Sanders is a high-accumulating ball winner with clean hands and elite footy IQ.

central.rookieme.com

STRENGTHS:

Accumulation
Clean hands
Consistency
Inside game
Stoppage craft
Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

Explosive speed
Impact-per-possession

An old school footballer in both look and method, Sanders is the embodiment of ‘pull your socks up’. He often cracks in at the contest with 100 per cent intensity, and that team orientated focus allows his more outside-leaning teammates to thrive off his inside craft. For this reason, Sanders has been a mainstay in his various sides' midfield groups over the last two years.

Playing a major role in the undefeated Allies side this year, Sanders was recognised for his efforts across the four games with the Larke Medal, given to the best player across the carnival. It was well deserved given he averaged 35.8 disposals, 5.0 clearances, 6.3 marks, 4.0 tackles and a goal. Sanders linked up well with fellow Tasmanian Colby McKercher at the Champs, with one of them often handing it off to the other if they had won a clearance, or finding each other around the ground.

Sanders has a well-rounded midfield game and balances between inside and outside roles - which he has vastly improved on this year - but thrives more when given the responsibility to win the ball in the coalface. Sanders’ size and strength lend to the contested side of the game, but is by no means the sole reason he is so effective. Sanders uses his physical advantage along with his natural stoppage craft and technique to push opponents off the ball and take it on himself, running at roughly a 40 per cent contested possession rate through the Champs.

On the outside, Sanders is an exceptionally hard worker around the ground, often breaching the defensive 50 arc to assist in winning the ball back, or running hard to lose opponents and accumulate uncontested marks around the ground. However, Sanders is a fairly good contested mark when caught in the situation, displaying strong hands overhead.

Sanders' disposal and general cleanliness at ground level make him extraordinarily reliable. Although he does tend to favour handballing and is often in situations where it’s the best option, Sanders is a damaging kick when given time and space. He's able to assess options quickly and pick out inside-45s almost before his opponents have time to react. What's more, he has developed his scoreboard impact to compound that hurt factor.

There’s not much holding Sanders back from becoming a top level midfielder given his traits and well developed game, with his current style well suited to a first possession winner at the next level. However, Sanders could become an even more damaging player if he more often looked to drive his legs out of congestion to give himself better opportunities to kick rather than handball. An overall focus on improving his explosive power would allow him to do so easier, with more pressure in the elite grade.

That essentially sums it up, I don't see Ryley being a 'bust' per say but can see a world where he ends up a third in line midfielder that doesn't get too many outside accolades. There's been some concerns expressed around BF and other platforms about Sanders speed, but his raw 20m sprint time is actually better than McKercher, so I choose to believe we don't see this burst moreso due to instruction or a lack of coaching in the area.

For where GWS are at, midfield depth in the immediate future, and best 23 options in the longer term, is probably the closest thing to a 'need' that can be addressed in this area of the draft.

Also considered; James Leake, Darcy Wilson, Connor O'Sullivan
goodcop badcop

goodcop badcop · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 10 - Geelong - Conner O'Sullivan

KPD write-up to come

eDPS

goodcop badcop · Nov 1, 2023

eDPS said:
Don’t go anywhere goodcop badcop Essendon bids on Jordan Croft

I thought you might

Will match

eDPS · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 12 - Essendon - Caleb Windsor
184cm - Wingman

This part of the draft is tough I have Darcy Wilson and James Leake as players I could easily have taken instead but have settled on Windsor.

Windsor has some elite attributes that have seen him firm as a top 15 prospect, his speed and agility is impressive able to get around players with ease and his ball use for the most part is very good. Another key quality is his ability to be a constant threat to the scoreboard proven to be a great finisher and he could easily play as a half forward early days with that position a more likely starting point with Essendon with the likes of Martin/Durham/Duursma and maybe even Cox more likely to be used for the next few years.

Windsor suits the modern game with his flare with ball in hand and improved running capacity a key area the best teams can cut the opposition open, at the end of the day Essendon needs to find the right fit to play within the system and hopefully Windsor is the right option.

Thunderstruck · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 13 Adelaide - Darcy Wilson Murray Bushrangers 186cm 74kg

Adelaide are crying out for a dashing user with great skills and speed on the outside and who better to do that than Darcy Wilson, there won't be anyone better in the draft in terms of needs and best player available all at the same time.

Darcy is classy hard running and smooth moving wingman who can push forward and impact the scoreboard with sound overhead abilities, with a very good vertical leap. He gets good separation from his opponents with his quick decision making and clean pickups and always seems to cruise around in 2nd gear but that 2nd gear is of a high pace, he just glides across the ground and covers it so easily and with the 2nd best 2km time at the recent combine, he will run opponents into the ground at the next level. He will be that metres gained type that tops the team most weeks - runs 30m kicks it 50m and be a player others look to play through going forward. Now often outside players get labelled at being soft or poor with contested work but Darcy is above average in that area and will put his head over it no troubles. He's got a very tough and wirey frame that stands up well in tough situations. His elite IQ allows him to turn contested situations int uncontested situations very quickly with a few powerful steps and he is away, with a constantly attacking mindset. His finishing is also first class and defensive prowess above average for a running outside player.

With Paul Seedsman sadly retired and Brodie Smith nearing the end of his tenure plus Lachie Sholl being average at best, Wilson would find a role very quickly in the side and be a huge missing piece of what the crows need going forward.

ModernArtillery ur up

ModernArtillery · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 14
Melbourne
James Leake
187cm 77kg
Tasmania Devils / Allies

I was always going to take whoever was left out of Wilson, Windsor and Leake. The versatility of Leake is a handy attribute and dramatically raises his floor. I would love to see him developed as a mid/forward with the plan for him to become a tough, combative, inside midfielder. I wonder if there's scope for him to fill out and play a role similar to Jack Steele or Callan Ward. I think Melbourne are in a really strong position to develop that version of him.

If the midfield version of Leake doesn't come to fruition, there's plenty of scope for him to carve out a career at either end of the ground where he's more proven at junior level.

Ysaye

Ysaye · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 15 - Zane Zakostelsky

Height: 196cm
Weight: 89kg
Likely AFL Position: Key Position Defender + Ruck + Ruck Rover

What do I like about the player? Lots of things. Firstly he is incredibly athletic; Top 10 in the 20m sprint, agility, both jumps, winning the standing jump. But more importantly than just random results off a football field that athleticism shows up in the way he plays and gives him a significant advantage in both at the centre square and against opponents in the backline which I can only see becoming more pronounced as he gets more use to AFL. Coupled with the fact that he is really a basketballer who has only just turned up to play footy for a small period of 2 years and you have someone who navigates traffic like it is nothing and has a fantastic directional tap as a ruckman and you have an annoying player to have to line up with. Further to that in addition to having midfielder-like movement he has a midfielder-like handball and is able to accurately get the ball out to others from congestion. Also he is fantastic intercept mark and lead up mark. I have also listened to his interviews and reckon he has some real character and is a dedicated sort that will really work hard to get the best out of himself. Lastly I reckon he can add a lot more weight to his frame and this will make him even harder to match up again.

What are the weaknesses? Two main things. At the moment his kicking is below average, possibly because he has joined the game so late. I think he is a better kick than say Naitanui was at his age (maybe equal to Naughton and Jackson) but he has clocked up an undesirable record of kicking 0 goals 11 points in a game (it was wet but even still) and at the moment he tends to do just bomb the ball. However, I think that it will be possible to get him to an average level of kick once he has a better understanding of what he is trying to achieve in game and refines the technique a bit; and IMO he only needs an average level of kick to be super dangerous. The other aspect is that at 196cm he is at some disadvantage in the ruck and I think means he will probably need to focus on being a utility or KP player; although having a fantastic standing jump makes up a little for this.

Why Sydney? My look at their list suggests that they might find another key position defender useful so that was part of the list justification. The other thing is that I think ZZ is a player that has a high ceiling; RUNVS asked in another thread who could become the next Adam Goodes, and for mine ZZ is a player that has the potential to be a unique match-winner.

Who else did I consider? James Leake and ZZ were the two players I was really keen on at this point in the draft, mainly because IMO they have much higher ceilings than others around this point and I think that that is what Sydney should try and get out of this pick rather than just pick low variance but reasonable return type. Murphy was a consideration just simply because of the key defender side of things, De Mattia because he was a solid option at this point.

TDS7 your turn....

TDS7 · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 16 - St. Kilda - Ollie Murphy - 200cm 85kg - Key Position Defender

I only just finished the Duursma writeup, so give me some time.

Thunderstruck for the Crows.

Thunderstruck · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 17 Adelaide - Harry De Mattia - Dandenong Stingrays 185cm 78kg

After taking some outside run and skill with Wilson, I figured why not go for proper break away pace and burst from stoppage, another thing we don't have. Looks like Sam Berry but with twice the jets and better skills, Harry is a dynamic midfielder who you don't want getting one step behind as he will burn you off like no tomorrow. Has sound skills, not to Wilsons level but can win his own ball and burst away from stoppage, can work across half back or half forward and is quite versatile but I like him in the middle the most as that inside outside mid with acceleation and burst out of congestion. Defensively he is always chasing, tackling, pressuring which is what a proper two way mid does, he never leaves anything wanting at any contest, something that will have coaches lining up to have him in their side. He's a terrific all-round character as well, be hard pressed to find better in this draft and one day is probably going to be a leader in a few years time.

roos_fanatic08 ur up

roos_fanatic08 · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 18 - North Melbourne - Mitch Edwards - Peel Thunder - 205cm & 85kg.

Once again, North have been left a little short due to the departure of Todd Goldstein. At stages Tristan Xerri has shown some okay form at AFL level, but he isn't the type ruckman who is going to help propel North up the ladder. It simply makes sense for North to take the best ruck in this draft, and around this pick I think Edwards offers incredible value.

Edwards is another player who has been highly touted for a few years, often being talked about as a top 10 pick. Edwards has genuine height at 206cm, and has a big enough frame to suggest he'll be able to compete physically at AFL level in a few years time. I'd argue Edwards is the best young ruck to come through the juniors since Tim English. Not only is he tall, he is mobile, has excellent ruck craft and is quite skilful for a kid his height.

The biggest stand out in Edwards game is his ruck craft, he has excellent hands and technique when palming the ball down to his midfielders. After the ruck contest Edwards also has solid follow up work, often he is involved with clearances and putting pressure on the opposition. Around the ground he he is a contested marking threat, often using his reach to clunk contested marks. He shows natural footy IQ when playing forward or behind the ball, often hitting the scoreboard and providing a contest in defence, all the hallmarks of an elite ruckman.

He needs to develop physically, which is very common with young ruck, but outside of that he has all the tools to become an elite ruckman at AFL level. He'll be a slower burn, but I think the investment will be worthwhile!

PMBangers GWS are on the clock

PMBangers · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 19 - Gold Coast Suns - Jake Rogers

170 cm 68 kg
Midfielder/ Small Forward

Stunned that Rogers has slid this far but it has made my work in figuring out the bid matching easier =)

People go on and on about how Watson is defying his size, will be a generational small forward, etc. but leave Rogers out of the conversation for small guys winning out against the odds in this years draft. Rogers has arguably done something more impressive this year, managing to dominate the midfield for the academy, allies and suns CTL team each time he turned out at U18s level this year.

Whilst not necessarily super athletic, Rogers evasiveness and cleanliness at ground level give him the extra half second he needs to get the ball into space, whether by driving out of traffic or hitting up a teammate, impacting with every touch he gathers.

Essentially, skills are a big tick, footy IQ is a big tick, exposure against mature bodies is a big tick, but I do wonder how he'll adjust to the likely forward line role he'll have to play at AFL level, he's got the raw traits to do it well but I can't help but shake how underwhelmed I was at times with his forward work last year

Anyway, Gold Coast get another good one here, Graham should be bid on soon as well!

PMBangers · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 20 - GWS - Luamon Lual

182 cm 72 kg
GWV Rebels
Small Defender/ Midfielder

Wow another profile I've written that I can copy paste, how good!

STRENGTHS:

Athleticism
Competitiveness
Reading the play
Rebounding
Run-and-carry

IMPROVEMENTS:

Disposal consistency
Strength

One of the highest upside prospects in the pool, Lual’s athleticism is a very appealing trait for AFL clubs to go along with his already well developed game. Lual has done the bulk of his work for GWV and Vic Country over the last couple of seasons in the backline, but has also shown some promising glimpses when pushed further afield into the midfield or on a wing, utilising his athleticism in more damaging positions with less accountability for a direct opponent.

Lual has shown flexibility in his role in the backline as well, playing with more offensive flair and pushing further up the ground when his team possesses the ball. There, he is capable of intercepting closer to the forward 50 to quickly hurt opposition on turnover, doing much of his best work facing forward or when carrying the ball. Meanwhile, his one-on-one ability and defensive craft when playing a bit closer to the defensive goalsquare are also evident. Lual was given a bit of freedom off half-back for Vic Country in their game against Metro in arguably his best outing for the National Championships, providing plenty of drive further up the field and even getting himself on the goal kickers list.

While highly touted as a bottom-ager, improvement throughout the season has been a big tick for Lual, gradually getting better with his balance between the offensive and defensive side of his game. He remained impactful when his team was both in and out of possession, and judged when to play fast or when to slow the game down better as the year went on.

Consistency in his ball use also saw improvement the longer he played, although it remains an area for improvement, Lual was hitting more targets, particularly through congestion, than he had done early in the season, seeing his efforts more often rewarded with forward 50 entries or scores.

Whilst he is a capable one-on-one player and very competitive when the ball is there to be won, Lual would benefit from some focus on his strength to make him a more consistent ball winner, with opposition players moving him off the ball or nudging him out of marking contests a little too easily at time.

Most will see this as too early for Lual but I'm a really big fan of what he currently is, and what I believe he can be. Over the last two years Lual has seen some rapid development in his game, particularly in the defensive half where he showed a strong lockdown game as a bottom-ager for the Rebels, and this year developed his rebound game through the Talent League. His rebounding was as strong for Country in the Champs, but he did remind us that he hasn't lost that ability to shut down dangerous opposition forwards.

Whilst he's a defender now, Lual's midfield performances both in the centre square and off a wing have been promising, giving me enough reason to believe he's got the scope to be at least a rotation option through the guts in time.

For GWS specifically, I've got nightmares of what Izak Rankine, Charlie Cameron, Tyson Stengle, etc. can do to us due to a lack of a genuine small defender with lockdown ability, and think Lual fits the role best ahead of other defenders in this area.

Also considered; Archie Roberts, Riley Hardeman

roos_fanatic08 up again

roos_fanatic08 · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 21 - North Melbourne - Arie Schoenmaker - Tasmanian Devils - 194cm & 89kg.

Players with genuine kicking skill and the ability to accumulate the ball are a definite need for North. Regarding kicking skill, there is arguably none better in this draft than Schoenmaker, who's left foot has the ability to beat zones and break the game open.

After an off field incident that led to a long term suspension, Schoenmaker had to make every post a winner, and once he returned to the Tassie Coates league he did just that. Schoenmaker, while still raw, has many attributes that could result in him becoming a damaging player at AFL level. He is tall, composed, has solid running capacity, footy smarts and the ability to accumulate the ball at will, especially when positioned at half back.

Even though he is 194cm, he doesn't play as a key a defender, more as a link up/distributing 3rd tall type. Schoey likes to position himself in areas where he can be feed the ball and use his damaging left foot to launch scoring attacks from half back. This style of play makes him one of the more damaging rebounders in this years draft class. His kicking remains his strongest asset, he is more than capable of kicking low flat bullets in excess of 50+m. To highlight his versatility, at times he has played on a wing while als rolling forward to hit the scoreboard with some beautiful displays of kicking from outside 50.

At this stage he isn't the best one on one defender, and this is mainly due to his physicality, but I'd imagine that any club picking him doesn't have this sort of role in mind. While he isn't a prolific intercept marker, he is capable of clunking the odd mark. In contests he is quite adept at using his reach to impact contests. So not all is lost on the defensive front.

He'll take a fair bit of development, but natural kicking ability like his can't be taught. That talent alone will hold him in good stead in an AFL environment.

roos_fanatic08 · Nov 1, 2023

Man this was a tough one! Still so many good options on the board that fit North’s list build.

Pick 22 - North Melbourne - Riley Hardeman - Swan Districts - 188cm & 80kg.

Composed intercepting defender who has good balance between attack and defence. His speed, positioning and long limbs allow him to impact defensively on a consistent basis. Hardeman is also a natural interceptor, he is a strong mark for his size and reads the play exceptionally well, combine that with a solid leap and you have all the hall marks of an elite intercept mark at AFL level. Athletically, he is a fantastic runner and covers the ground with ease, and he has an extra turn of foot too. It isn't game breaking pace, but it is enough that allows him to link up and be involved in possession chains. His composure imo is a real stand out feature in his game, he never looks rushed and often thinks his way through situations that allows his teammates to retain the ball up the ground. His disposal overall is very good. He has a nice left foot and he often kicks long while looking to take the game on. His short kicking is very solid. The only criticism I have here is that he can be a little bit one sided, and can sell himself into trouble trying to get onto his left side. One thing that isn't mentioned all that often is his leadership credentials, he has been in leadership groups all the way through juniors and captained the WA side this year. Over the course of the year he played at senior level in the WAFL (1 game), colts level, and was a mainstay in the WA side in the championships. His consistency at championship level earned him All Australian Under 18's honours.

Pie 4 Life Collingwood is up next.

TDS7 · Nov 1, 2023

We match.

Write up to come in a few days. I'm slamming pierogis and pints at a polish funeral rn, so don't wait up.

Pie 4 Life

Pie 4 Life · Nov 1, 2023

Pick 24 - Collingwood - Archie Roberts (Sandringham Dragons)

A prospect with plenty of experience at representative level, Archie Roberts first burst onto the scene in 2021 as a 16-year-old, turning out for the Vic Metro Under 17 side as a bottom-ager in the category.

Since, Roberts has gone from strength to strength. He played a key role in Sandringham’s back-to-back flags, helped Haileybury College take out the APS title, and provided a cool head in transition for Vic Metro.

Rewarded for his season with All-Australian honours, the AFL Academy member didn’t do much wrong this season, worked on his deficiencies, and should hear his name called out in the first half of the draft as a result.

STRENGTHS:

Intercept game
Kicking
Reading the play
Rebounding
Run-and-carry
Speed-endurance mix

IMPROVEMENTS:

Defensive craft
Strength

Roberts has been one of the better players at Talent League level over the last two seasons, first turning out for Sandringham in Round 1 of 2022 and making his impact felt immediately. He maintained a high level of performance since, playing pivotal roles in the Dragon’s 2022 and 2023 premiership runs. The AFL Academy member just delivers each week as a intercepting and rebounding threat out of the defensive half, whilst also showing some promise on a wing when given the opportunity through the season.

Arguably the best of Metro’s smaller defenders in 2023, Roberts was named in the Under 18 All-Australian side for his Championship efforts, maintaining a similar level of impact and stat line to his Talent League season across four appearances. He saved his best game to last, gathering 24 disposals and eight rebound 50s against Vic Country. Roberts displayed his ability in the offensive phase of the game at the Champs, averaging 3.5 score involvements despite being stationed in the defensive 50.

Roberts fits the mould of a modern defender with his ability to kick-start offensive plays from the back half and get involved in attacking chains. It’s Roberts confidence with ball in hand that allows him to have such an impact, often looking to take as much space as he can with run and carry, and breach both 50-metre arcs in the same chain of play.

With positioning and general game sense a strength, Roberts' ability to intercept makes him a danger even out of possession. He sets up well behind the ball to sweep up on hurried kicks forward by the opposition, or drifts across to create an outnumber at contests in the defensive half, generally filling space as close to the forward 50 as possible when his side attacks. Measuring up at 184cm, Roberts is also a pretty strong mark overhead, only adding to his impact as an intercepting threat.

With such a well rounded skillset heading into AFL, there is still some areas Roberts will be focusing on to give him the best chance of success at the level. His contested game is one area that requires some attention, seeing steady improvement throughout the year but still occasionally holding him back, particularly around stoppages in the defensive 50. Going hand in hand with this is an improvement on his strength, which will allow him to keep his feet more often and hold more tackles, which will also lend to improved defensive application.

WHY ROBERTS FOR COLLINGWOOD?

I wanted to grab an extra outside runner, and someone who can play off half-back with great skill and run and carry. Areas of our midfield are aging, and while we do have some raw replacements, we tend to have a lot of defender-midfielders. This would allow greater flexibility for a number of players such as Crisp/Naicos/Maynard/Quaynor etc. even if he might not step in straight away.

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