Recruiting AFL Draft Watch 2024 - Check out our haul

[Nuggs Bunny]

All over for this year!

Check out our new picks from the draft:
Pick #13 (matched): Isaac Kako - Small Forward, Calder Cannons
Pick #37: Kayle Gerreyn - Ruck/Forward, West Perth
Pick #39: Angus Clarke - Defender, Glenelg
Pick #61: Rhys Unwin - Small Forward, Greater Western Victoria
Pick #70: Zak Johnson - Midfielder, Northern Knights
Pick #6 RD: Archer Day-Lewis - Forward, Bendigo Pioneers
Cat B Rookie: Jayden Nguyen - Defender, Calder Cannons

 

[Keystone agony]

I don’t think they’ll be able to, although I think they should. It’s going to be difficult for them to grab KP players soon with Tassie coming in.

They obviously think its too much to overpay for need and feel on balance of need and quality FOS may be the better option

Norths midfield been over rated a bit lately

Powell, Phillips never came on as they wouldve hoped. Lost Tarryn Thomas. LDU a decent chance to leave

They also grabbed 2x200cm+ first rounders last year. Traded in Logue a couple years ago, obviousily have Larkey and Comben really came on. They might just give their F1 for Trainor and or draft a Charlie Nicholls/West/Gerryn late with their pick in the 50s. Also have next years early picks which a few talls present

 

[jdstorm]

Still think Cox cant be ruled out in that position, it was his best position as a junior. Zac Reid can also intercept if he gets going as can Hayes

Prior will be one that can play it

Im surprised to see Trainor so late i must admit

28s still a weird range for us. Would likely require an F1 which may be too much

F1 and 31 for F2 and 23/24 may be an option, by trading 31 for F2 seperatly pre Kako and agreeing F1 for 23/24 post Kako

Just think we start having

Mckay, Reid, Cox, Ridley, Prior, Hayes, Trainor, Laverde all 193cm + tall defenders all 28 or severly younger on the list... is starting to get a bit much

You either have to trust 1 of Hayes, Cox, Reid make it or get rid of all of them and overpay for a guy like Whitlock/Trainor

Still think

• Small Forwards
• Half Backs
• Mids
• Tall Fwd

Has to be the preference for us in the top 20-30 range over tall defender

I get what you’re saying. in my head I think of Ridley as more of a sweeper/medium defender/loose HB.

So when you say Trainor is like Ridley I just think oversized HB as opposed to small KPD/3rd tall

Which as you’ve said is a list need.

I completely understand what you mean not over invest in certain positions.

In my best 22 I have all of McKay/Reid/Cox/Ridley which leaves Hayes and Lav as VFL KPD and Prior HB. So I think a project 3rd tall/HB is a need at VFL level.

Spending a pick in the 20s seems a big investment in this area. Given the way the draft is looking I’d probably be looking at a Balanced Mid or pressure forward. However if the if the talent gap is big it’s hard not to want to go best available and fix the logjam via trade

 

[ydc55]

I think people on this site need to accept cox is not going to make it.
He is physically frail and picks and chooses when to compete.

 

[ydc55]

At what point would you trade back in and get Hotton eDPS ydc55 ??

Kid looks like he can seriously play from my professional, 3 minute Rookie me draft highlight observations. A bit of Shai Bolton about him


Not saying he is the player we need bu geez, can see why he was hyped as a potential top 3 - 5 pick at the start of the year

My understanding is we cannot get Hotton.
Richmond and GWS both love him.
Sydney would absolutely swoop if available.
This wrecks us as Richmond, gws and Sydney most likely to trade a first rounder.
Barring injury hotton may be rated ahead of everyone.

 

[ydc55]

I would take him there, there are only 3 players I’d take with a top 3 pick this year and all of them are midfielders. O’Sullivan can atleast play other positions at a high quality until he can move into the midfield full time.

I had Finn rated as a clear number 1 at the start of the year.
I know he has had rotten luck with injuries but I was not enamoured with his play this year.
His lack of consistency within games and his inability to have high impact on games was concerning.
I thought a superstar junior would have got his team over the line against a team like the rebels.
Jagga Smith is ultra consistent during the game but again I question his game impact. He was not able to get his team over rebels either.
I am interested in your thoughts as a chargers man.

 

[eDPS]

I had Finn rated as a clear number 1 at the start of the year.
I know he has had rotten luck with injuries but I was not enamoured with his play this year.
His lack of consistency within games and his inability to have high impact on games was concerning.
I thought a superstar junior would have got his team over the line against a team like the rebels.
Jagga Smith is ultra consistent during the game but again I question his game impact. He was not able to get his team over rebels either.
I am interested in your thoughts as a chargers man.

O’Sullivan almost helped get Oakleigh that win but sadly he and a lot of others had the yips infront of goal. Rebels took their chances and Oakleigh didn’t in the end. O’Sullivan has had a mixed year but I remember Connor Rozee only really finding form late in his draft year but his trajectory went up when he entered the AFL system which I feel will be the same for O’Sullivan, he can do things alot of players can’t which is also why Alix Tauru is going earlier than expected.

 

[dank420_]

I think people on this site need to accept cox is not going to make it.
He is physically frail and picks and chooses when to compete.

When are the coaching staff going to accept it?

 

[Zach Package]

I think people on this site need to accept cox is not going to make it.
He is physically frail and picks and chooses when to compete.

Development failure

 

[TheUnicorn]

Development failure

I can just see us letting go of Cox and then someone like Geelong pick him up and nail his role/position instantly.

 

[Yoda_]

AFL website is now "live" with a draft tracker and profiles on a bunch of kids.

Rookie Me Central has there spread sheet

ESPN has a similar article and SEN has top 60



General look to this is the midfielders are all top end heavy but then a smattering of talls and smalls after that with a few bit and pieces types in between. Seems heaps of rucks are listed and tall fads a plenty. Small forwards are always in demand and key backs too. Not too many mids look likely later in the draft but who knows. One might slip

 

[Nifft]

When are the coaching staff going to accept it?

I have a feeling that 2025 will be make or break for a few players like Cox, Jones and Perkins. And while I think Perkins could be very good in the Stringer forward/mid role he wouldn't want to be lazy or keep looking like he's lost out there.

Cox, Jones and Reid could be on their last chance.

 

['51 Bewick]

AFL website is now "live" with a draft tracker and profiles on a bunch of kids.

Rookie Me Central has there spread sheet

ESPN has a similar article and SEN has top 60



General look to this is the midfielders are all top end heavy but then a smattering of talls and smalls after that with a few bit and pieces types in between. Seems heaps of rucks are listed and tall fads a plenty. Small forwards are always in demand and key backs too. Not too many mids look likely later in the draft but who knows. One might slip

Wow! SEN has Kako at pick 17. Yes please.

 

[jdstorm]

Going to be a big year for Cox for sure. Looks to have filled out some more.

I think he’s going to get a real chance to be your swing bench tall who covers KPD2/3 + KPF when whoever is at FF (Wright/Draper) is in the ruck.

We’d be going big in def with all of McKay/Reid/Cox/Ridley in the back 7 (Cox bench) if all are healthy and Cox/Reid progress that’s a very strong tall defence.

If not. Well Hayes gets a go. Lav is okay injury cover (as is Prior) and we make some trades next year

 

[FlyingV]

I have a feeling that 2025 will be make or break for a few players like Cox, Jones and Perkins. And while I think Perkins could be very good in the Stringer forward/mid role he wouldn't want to be lazy or keep looking like he's lost out there.

Cox, Jones and Reid could be on their last chance.

Spot on. I posted more or less this at the end of the season. Not the right time to be trading in gun players, rather hit the draft and assess what we have at our disposal.
Need to be confident Reid, Cox, Hayes, Jones are AFL players before we go anywhere near another kpp.

Also a big year for Davey, Hobbs, Perkins and Tsatas. Davey in particular will know the writing is on the wall after wangers and his brother got chopped.

We seriously lack dynamic, quick, aerobic players. That should be the focus imo

 

[Yoda_]

Spot on. I posted more or less this at the end of the season. Not the right time to be trading in gun players, rather hit the draft and assess what we have at our disposal.
Need to be confident Reid, Cox, Hayes, Jones are AFL players before we go anywhere near another kpp.

Also a big year for Davey, Hobbs, Perkins and Tsatas. Davey in particular will know the writing is on the wall after wangers and his brother got chopped.

We seriously lack dynamic, quick, aerobic players. That should be the focus imo

my thoughts continue to grow on Hotton/. Even with injury, type of player we need

 

[jdstorm]

my thoughts continue to grow on Hotton/. Even with injury, type of player we need

Unfortunately a bunch of other teams are seeing that too. Unlikely to make it past 15. In our range might just have to go someone like Archer Day Wicks instead. But yeah Exciting pressure forward who can take a hanger seems like a need.

FlyingV

I have similar thoughts. Did a hypothetical depth chart and have us basically needing 3 VFL level flankers one HB, One Mid/Wing (hopefully balanced) and one Medium HF

Although with SEH and Menzie being versatile you could easily shuffle things around and bring in 2 Forwards + wing

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

Going to be a big year for Cox for sure. Looks to have filled out some more.

I think he’s going to get a real chance to be your swing bench tall who covers KPD2/3 + KPF when whoever is at FF (Wright/Draper) is in the ruck.

We’d be going big in def with all of McKay/Reid/Cox/Ridley in the back 7 (Cox bench) if all are healthy and Cox/Reid progress that’s a very strong tall defence.

If not. Well Hayes gets a go. Lav is okay injury cover (as is Prior) and we make some trades next year

 

[faible]

Not sure if posted yet; Twomey has us taking Kako, likely Nguyen (as a rookie), and says we've been in talks with Hamish Davis, Zak Johnson and Josh Dolan.

Plus Jaxon Prior as a DFA / SSP pickup.

According to RookieMe a.k.a eDPS all three guys named by Twomey have good endurance which is nice.

Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft: Top 30, late picks, whispers

Who will your club take in this year's AFL Draft? Our guru makes the call

www.afl.com.au

Draft picks: 28, 31, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65 (likely to use four selections)

The Bombers have been in talks with clubs about potential trades on the night, both moving out picks and using one of their future first-rounders to buy back in after the Isaac Kako bid comes. Watch for them to do a pick swap deal using multiple picks in the second and third rounds. Where the bid comes for small forward Kako will shape the rest of their hand but expect them to be busy on the phones during the draft. The Bombers have also nominated Jayden Nguyen as a NGA product and the speedy forward could get through as a category B rookie. In between them, look for Essendon to eye some running types – West Australian Hamish Davis could be a contender, they have tracked the Northern Knights' Zak Johnson and half-forward Josh Dolan is another in that bracket. Essendon has been keen on delisted Lion Jaxon Prior for some time and Prior has skipped nominating for the national draft, opening the door for the Bombers to sign him automatically once the supplemental selection period begins. The Bombers have spoken with VFL prospect Riley Bice but he could be a more of a rookie option as they consider extra pace from defence.

Hamish Davis Draft Profile

Claremont utility Hamish Davis found success at WAFL League level this year, combining high endurance base with high-IQ running patterns.

central.rookieme.com

STRENGTHS:

• Endurance
• Footy IQ
• Running patterns
• Scoreboard impact
• Size
• Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Explosive speed
• Kicking action

Zak Johnson Draft Profile

central.rookieme.com

STRENGTHS:

• Footy IQ
• Kicking
• Speed
• Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Contested game
• Defensive acts

Josh Dolan Draft Profile

Sandringham Dragons midfielder-forward Josh Dolan is a hard runner who has flown under the radar externally, but is highly rated internally.

central.rookieme.com

STRENGTHS:

• Endurance
• Energy
• Short kicking
• Speed
• Vision
• Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Defensive acts
• Size

 

[doug85]

Not sure if posted yet; Twomey has us taking Kako, likely Nguyen (as a rookie), and says we've been in talks with Hamish Davis, Zak Johnson and Josh Dolan.

Plus Jaxon Prior as a DFA / SSP pickup.

According to RookieMe a.k.a eDPS all three guys named by Twomey have good endurance which is nice.

Cal Twomey's Phantom Draft: Top 30, late picks, whispers

Who will your club take in this year's AFL Draft? Our guru makes the call

www.afl.com.au

Hamish Davis Draft Profile

Claremont utility Hamish Davis found success at WAFL League level this year, combining high endurance base with high-IQ running patterns.

central.rookieme.com

Zak Johnson Draft Profile

central.rookieme.com

Josh Dolan Draft Profile

Sandringham Dragons midfielder-forward Josh Dolan is a hard runner who has flown under the radar externally, but is highly rated internally.

central.rookieme.com

Footy IQ?

Does not compute

 

[Keystone agony]

I get what you’re saying. in my head I think of Ridley as more of a sweeper/medium defender/loose HB.

So when you say Trainor is like Ridley I just think oversized HB as opposed to small KPD/3rd tall

Which as you’ve said is a list need.

I completely understand what you mean not over invest in certain positions.

In my best 22 I have all of McKay/Reid/Cox/Ridley which leaves Hayes and Lav as VFL KPD and Prior HB. So I think a project 3rd tall/HB is a need at VFL level.

Spending a pick in the 20s seems a big investment in this area. Given the way the draft is looking I’d probably be looking at a Balanced Mid or pressure forward. However if the if the talent gap is big it’s hard not to want to go best available and fix the logjam via trade

We probably do need a half back in this years draft if you see him as that

But we also have Roberts, Zerrett, Martin, Redman and Mcgrath capable as that and good hype around El Hawli whos mature aged and has played that position. Prior aswell

I struggle to see those tall 4 in the same backline. Just too incompetent on the ground and moving the ball quickly/dangerously post intercept

Mckay/Reid just isnt Darcy Moore. Mcgrath isnt quite Jack Sinclair so as an overall package it isnt great

But even if as you say have those 4 in the same backline, an injury to either of them could be repalced with a small like Roberts/Zerrett/El Hawli ect and the mix is still fine. Other areas are more pressing, but do agree we could probably do with a player capable of half back

 

[eDPS]

According to RookieMe a.k.a eDPS all three guys named by Twomey have good endurance which is nice.

I used to be with RMC but I’m not anymore, they still have some great people there doing good work.

 

[Zach Package]

Sounds like Prior is all but confirmed. Wouldn’t have thought you would not nominate for the draft without cause to do so.

 

[jdstorm]

View attachment 2169062

We probably do need a half back in this years draft if you see him as that

But we also have Roberts, Zerrett, Martin, Redman and Mcgrath capable as that and good hype around El Hawli whos mature aged and has played that position. Prior aswell

I struggle to see those tall 4 in the same backline. Just too incompetent on the ground and moving the ball quickly/dangerously post intercept

Mckay/Reid just isnt Darcy Moore. Mcgrath isnt quite Jack Sinclair so as an overall package it isnt great

But even if as you say have those 4 in the same backline, an injury to either of them could be repalced with a small like Roberts/Zerrett/El Hawli ect and the mix is still fine. Other areas are more pressing, but do agree we could probably do with a player capable of half back

how I see it You only have 3 on feild at the same time at 80% game time.

McKay 80 kpd1
Reid 60KPD 2 20 KPD1
Ridley 80 KPD3

Cox 40KPD2, 20 KPD3 and 20 KPF

Then that leaves 3 spots for smaller players + 1 resting mid/wing ie Redman, McGrath, (Roberts vs SEH) and a resting Mid/Wing

As far as ball movement post intercept. Ridley/Reid are perfectly capable. As is Cox if he has space.

It just means guys like McGrath/Redman don’t have any more excuses/safety net and have to use the ball well. Otherwise they might struggle to deserve a game. I have no issue with that.

 

[faible]

how I see it You only have 3 on feild at the same time at 80% game time.

McKay 80 kpd1
Reid 60KPD 2 20 KPD1
Ridley 80 KPD3

Cox 40KPD2, 20 KPD3 and 20 KPF

Then that leaves 3 spots for smaller players + 1 resting mid/wing ie Redman, McGrath, (Roberts vs SEH) and a resting Mid/Wing

As far as ball movement post intercept. Ridley/Reid are perfectly capable. As is Cox if he has space.

It just means guys like McGrath/Redman don’t have any more excuses/safety net and have to use the ball well. Otherwise they might struggle to deserve a game. I have no issue with that.

KPDs like McKay are usually > 90% TOG (Round 24 he played 98%, and Laverde 97%)

 

[Keystone agony]

how I see it You only have 3 on feild at the same time at 80% game time.

McKay 80 kpd1
Reid 60KPD 2 20 KPD1
Ridley 80 KPD3

Cox 40KPD2, 20 KPD3 and 20 KPF

Then that leaves 3 spots for smaller players + 1 resting mid/wing ie Redman, McGrath, (Roberts vs SEH) and a resting Mid/Wing

As far as ball movement post intercept. Ridley/Reid are perfectly capable. As is Cox if he has space.

It just means guys like McGrath/Redman don’t have any more excuses/safety net and have to use the ball well. Otherwise they might struggle to deserve a game. I have no issue with that.

I dont think there is another player that does what your saying Cox should do in the comp there. It would be creating something completely new, where your planned to rotate forward and back every game in the same game. Not entriely impossible

Having only 3 onfield at once in the backline is probably fine, the issue will be 4

Also as faible said

KPDs like McKay are usually > 90% TOG (Round 24 he played 98%, and Laverde 97%)

Ridley also went

91
93
100
100
93
91

When he got right last year, so your really not maximising him by reducing his TOG by 15 when hes one of our best players