Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2015 Draft Almanac

[BRWB]

Thanks Knightmare

Where do you see Nyoun going? Seems an intriguing long term ruck prospect

 

[year of the cat]

Doubt it would be another KPD ..... but we have three picks to use..so who really knows? Id like us to grab Glen and a couple of player that standout in combine results or athletically outstanding; like Debruin or Snadden ... but id not be adverse to us looking at players that have been in our vfl system like Ruggles or Rees

3 picks. My mistake. I think a small defender is a priority - Tahana? Happy to look at a medium forward - Cornell? The third, another Wells special.

 

[HawkintheTuarts]

"Never had a problem" = one player taken in the National Draft in the ten years prior to the GWS Academy?

I'm at the point where I expect the Giants to lose the Riverina given the shits people have been getting over it, but it's not right to claim that it was such a rich vein of talent. It's only now that the Giants are in there and identifying and supporting these kids that they're coming through to the AFL instead of just staying in their local comp.

Really, one? I'm sure it has been more than that. I'll have to go look into it. Suckling-Smith-Duryea all played football in the same area so that's 3 at least. Smith did have to eventually come to Vic and play VFL though.

EDIT: Forgetting Luke Bruest as well!!! They'll have my membership for that.

Sam Rowe, Dean Terlich too. I know you said ND specifically but it shows the area hasn't been barren of football talent. Certainly helps with finding players more than the WS zone does which is a huge advantage with developing academy players compared to any of the other zones. I'm not trying to use it as an argument against academies, that's a tired old one that caused the silly point systems to be created, just this specific issue.

 

[CatRiot]

Hey KM,

Who is the best small/medium defender that can play the role of a quarter-back, someone with elite kicking - like a Suckling, Malceski, Duryea type?

Also, who is the best small forward left, I'm talking like the Paul Chapman type mould?

 

[sonnywalters]

They have a few coming through next year. The academies are still hit and miss in a given year. Sydney had 3 last year, 1 this and none (at this stage) next year. Gold Coast had 1 (Weller was an academy boy but not eligible for nomination) last year, 0 and then at least 2 next year.

Ok. There was some talk on SEN today about the GWS eventually re-locating to Canberra. I am not sure if there is any merit in that but next season GWS will play 8 games at Sydney Showgrounds and 3 in Canberra. But I think GC is going to remain an uphill battle.

 

[Turbocat]

Geelong have a great key defence group. The issue is there is a great key defence group today. Lonergan is 30+. Taylor turns 30 this year. Henderson can play but has poor durability and is in his mid-late 20s. So it's not a young group and I'd be anticipating that Geelong if they see the right option through the draft may look to draft some potential eventual successors with key position players generally taking 3-4 years to develop anyway.

Henderson is just on 26..so all being equal on would assume he is good for 5 years. Taylor turns 30 in June next year..so yes he is a sunset player. Most of us rate Kolodjashnij... and obvious he is young and green but promising.. 20 . We have Delaney..who might or might not ever be up to it and have just added Gardiner. Where does Blitz play eventually and we have a heap of flexible talls . One must remember that Lonergan was a failed forward.

To add another tall defender ... would it be over the top?

 

[Turbocat]

3 picks. My mistake. I think a small defender is a priority - Tahana? Happy to look at a medium forward - Cornell? The third, another Wells special.

IM sure there are plenty that could have easily been picked at 60 odd..... id probably favour locals (vic) if we are wanting to have 12 month contracts.

 

[year of the cat]

IM sure there are plenty that could have easily been picked at 60 odd..... id probably favour locals (vic) if we are wanting to have 12 month contracts.

Good call. Hopefully there are locals available justifying selection.

 

[Knightmare]

Thanks Knightmare

Where do you see Nyoun going? Seems an intriguing long term ruck prospect

Western Bulldogs and Essendon are two who I feel would benefit from adding Nyuon as a rookie as the two clubs with probably the greatest long term ruck needs.

Nyuon has an incredible leap but still a very raw game as a low volume accumulator who still by hand and foot needs to develop consistency with his skills still all over the place and poor when pressure.

3 picks. My mistake. I think a small defender is a priority - Tahana? Happy to look at a medium forward - Cornell? The third, another Wells special.

Cornell has been linked to Geelong and if overlooked by GWS makes sense. Tahana is a possible. Either would be suitable additions.

Hey KM,

Who is the best small/medium defender that can play the role of a quarter-back, someone with elite kicking - like a Suckling, Malceski, Duryea type?

Also, who is the best small forward left, I'm talking like the Paul Chapman type mould?

Nick Dodge for me is the best small forward. Has some power to him but then also has the well rounded game and all the tricks. Production and scoreboard impact strong.

As a rebounding backman I'd recommend Daniel Capiron (who probably is overlooked). Not an elite kick but a good kick with a well rounded game. The sweetest pure kicking backman in this draft is William Sexton who can kick it 60m and hit guys lace out, but at 175cm I don't view him as an appealing recruiting choice.

Henderson is just on 26..so all being equal on would assume he is good for 5 years. Taylor turns 30 in June next year..so yes he is a sunset player. Most of us rate Kolodjashnij... and obvious he is young and green but promising.. 20 . We have Delaney..who might or might not ever be up to it and have just added Gardiner. Where does Blitz play eventually and we have a heap of flexible talls . One must remember that Lonergan was a failed forward.

To add another tall defender ... would it be over the top?

Henderson would largely if a key defender was introduced now likely be pretty close to the end. Kolodjashnij can be a long term key defender. But with Henderson only once playing 20 or more games in a season, in his late 20s I don't recommend getting too optimistic about what you'll get from him.
Blicavs was so good through the ruck and midfield this year that I just can't justify moving him down back. Delaney I anticipate will struggle for games. And Gardiner I'm not convinced by. So with Kolodjashnij probably that only young key defender I see as a long term option (and I only view Kolodjashnij as mediocre by position by AFL standards) I'd be considering investing a rookie position on a key defender if it's the right guy. I'd be inclined to put it down to the value proposition, where if a key defender is the highest rated talent, I'd take them, if not, I'd take someone else.

 

[Turbocat]

Henderson would largely if a key defender was introduced now likely be pretty close to the end. Kolodjashnij can be a long term key defender. But with Henderson only once playing 20 or more games in a season, in his late 20s I don't recommend getting too optimistic about what you'll get from him.
Blicavs was so good through the ruck and midfield this year that I just can't justify moving him down back. Delaney I anticipate will struggle for games. And Gardiner I'm not convinced by. So with Kolodjashnij probably that only young key defender I see as a long term option (and I only view Kolodjashnij as mediocre by position by AFL standards) I'd be considering investing a rookie position on a key defender if it's the right guy. I'd be inclined to put it down to the value proposition, where if a key defender is the highest rated talent, I'd take them, if not, I'd take someone else.

I guess we will have to keep our own thoughts on that... If what you ares saying is right we have about 4 list cloggers in our KPD end.

To me late 20's is 28 and older.... and Kolo is much better than mediocre. Cant offer any opinion on Gardiner yet but Wells must have rated him higher than GlassMc or he would have taken him surely. Delaney yes he well and truly someone you could not bank on..yet he is on our list.
Id say if the guy was right draft another kpd , and if he was I feel we would have drafted him..obvious wells thinks that is Gardiner.

Having said that , before that article on AFL.com about club interest , id not been able to even tell you he he was. Smith was not drafted was he? That was a surprise.

 

[CatRiot]

Western Bulldogs and Essendon are two who I feel would benefit from adding Nyuon as a rookie as the two clubs with probably the greatest long term ruck needs.

Nyuon has an incredible leap but still a very raw game as a low volume accumulator who still by hand and foot needs to develop consistency with his skills still all over the place and poor when pressure.



Cornell has been linked to Geelong and if overlooked by GWS makes sense. Tahana is a possible. Either would be suitable additions.



Nick Dodge for me is the best small forward. Has some power to him but then also has the well rounded game and all the tricks. Production and scoreboard impact strong.

As a rebounding backman I'd recommend Daniel Capiron (who probably is overlooked). Not an elite kick but a good kick with a well rounded game. The sweetest pure kicking backman in this draft is William Sexton who can kick it 60m and hit guys lace out, but at 175cm I don't view him as an appealing recruiting choice.

Hey, KM - Do you think Tom Keogh can bring that attacking defender game plan at the elite level? He is only 193cm... Can he play as a KPD at AFL level and handle the gorilla forwards?


Henderson would largely if a key defender was introduced now likely be pretty close to the end. Kolodjashnij can be a long term key defender. But with Henderson only once playing 20 or more games in a season, in his late 20s I don't recommend getting too optimistic about what you'll get from him.
Blicavs was so good through the ruck and midfield this year that I just can't justify moving him down back. Delaney I anticipate will struggle for games. And Gardiner I'm not convinced by. So with Kolodjashnij probably that only young key defender I see as a long term option (and I only view Kolodjashnij as mediocre by position by AFL standards) I'd be considering investing a rookie position on a key defender if it's the right guy. I'd be inclined to put it down to the value proposition, where if a key defender is the highest rated talent, I'd take them, if not, I'd take someone else.

Hey KM - Do you think Tom Keough can bring that attacking key defender game plan to the AFL elite level? He is only 193cm and 91kgs; could he handle the gorilla power forwards? or is he best suited as a 3rd tall defender at AFL elite level?

 

[LittleG]

Cheers for the hard work on your thread KM. Hope you enjoyed watching the guys play this year and are excited by some of the junior mids coming through.

 

[Knightmare]

Having said that , before that article on AFL.com about club interest , id not been able to even tell you he he was. Smith was not drafted was he? That was a surprise.

I'm assuming you're talking about Dylan Smith? He was overlooked. Rookie chance but only a chance. Can read the flight and take some intercept marks. I just haven't been excited by his relative lack of development and only mild production this season.

Hey KM - Do you think Tom Keough can bring that attacking key defender game plan to the AFL elite level? He is only 193cm and 91kgs; could he handle the gorilla power forwards? or is he best suited as a 3rd tall defender at AFL elite level?

Keough is a rookie chance. If he was a few cm taller he would have been near certain to feature in the national draft. Performance through the SANFL has been excellent. At AFL level you're mentioning the very question I'm myself asking of Keough as to whether he is a key defender or 3rd tall at the next level. I'm probably if anything leaning towards 3rd tall, with the ability as required to play as a key defender.

Cheers for the hard work on your thread KM. Hope you enjoyed watching the guys play this year and are excited by some of the junior mids coming through.

Always a fun and addictive process that has me coming back for more yearly.

 

[nottenthagain]

I think opinions were polarised on Keays, the clubs who did like liked others more and those that didn't obviously didn't bid

no one wants to piss off Brisbane as they might be left out of the next 'go home' player discussions....

 

[Bicks]

Glass-McCasker or Firns as key defenders I see as definite chances. Thomas Glen may be a consideration. A Will Snelling or Nick O'Kearney as midfielders could be considered.

They're some names to be aware of as possibles who make sense from a list fit standpoint and some who have been linked to Geelong.

KM, I think the Crows will be looking in their own backyard mainly at guys like Tahana, Snelling, Haysman, Brind, Sullivan, Hewett and maybe Surman. I think all are likely given consideration with the least likely Surman. Do you really rate any of those guys??

 

[nottenthagain]

"Never had a problem" = one player taken in the National Draft in the ten years prior to the GWS Academy?

I'm at the point where I expect the Giants to lose the Riverina given the shits people have been getting over it, but it's not right to claim that it was such a rich vein of talent. It's only now that the Giants are in there and identifying and supporting these kids that they're coming through to the AFL instead of just staying in their local comp.

They have a zone that has produced Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey, James Hird and John Longmire just to name a few.... it's not an AFL backwater - I'll admit that Western Sydney is though

 

[Zeno The Great]

KM what you think of the dogs draft. We were all absolutely over the moon the get collins, thought he was no chance to slide to our pick. Adams looks like he can play straight away. Mixed reviews on Dunkley and his speed and kicking, obviously we saw something in him to bid on his with our first pick.

 

[2006_Eagles]

Knightmare

Can you tell me why Mountford went so late when he looks to have pace, acceleration, x factor, evasive skills, and an excellent kick on him? Plus he tested extremely well at the combine.

Cheers.

 

[M Malice]

hi KM. i know very early, but i assume you have probably watched a fair bit of footy from next years draft pool. who do you see as the top 4 or 5 at this stage for the next batch of kids? am very excited from a lions view point for allison and rolls.

 

[Happy Daze]

They have a zone that has produced Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey, James Hird and John Longmire just to name a few.... it's not an AFL backwater - I'll admit that Western Sydney is though

While this is true without the GWS Academy players like Zac Williams or Matt Flynn would not be on an AFL list right now, and a Jacob Hopper would not be as advanced in his game and Matt "Bam Bam" Kennedy would probably be picked much later in the draft, Harry Himmelberg again might have been undrafted. That these players are coming through, with the Breusts etc already in the system, it does show this area has been underdeveloped in terms of AFL talent. The bias against this area as a talent producer is slowly turning because of the GWS Academy and seemingly gone are the days where a James Hird had to use his Dad's name to get onto an AFL list.

Agreed the GWS have done well out of the Riverina in particular this draft, but that is not to say this will be the same every year. If it turns out this becomes a regular thing I can't see the other clubs putting up with it for any length of time.

 

[dlanod]

Really, one? I'm sure it has been more than that. I'll have to go look into it. Suckling-Smith-Duryea all played football in the same area so that's 3 at least. Smith did have to eventually come to Vic and play VFL though.

EDIT: Forgetting Luke Bruest as well!!! They'll have my membership for that.

Sam Rowe, Dean Terlich too. I know you said ND specifically but it shows the area hasn't been barren of football talent. Certainly helps with finding players more than the WS zone does which is a huge advantage with developing academy players compared to any of the other zones. I'm not trying to use it as an argument against academies, that's a tired old one that caused the silly point systems to be created, just this specific issue.

Bruest was the one I found and was referring to.

I have Duryea as being from Wahguyah, i.e. Victoria.

The other blokes are cases in point:

- Smith wasn't drafted until he moved out of the Riverina and to be right under the noses of scouts in Ballarat, ending up in the VFL.
- Rowe was rookied, delisted, and then drafted from the SANFL.
- Terlich rookied from the SANFL.

All of these blokes had to leave town to get drafted. All of them were recruited as mature age draftees (relatively speaking).

If GWS was getting an occasional rookie guy from the zone there wouldn't be anyone giving a shit. It's only because these kids are benefiting and coming through as top talent that there are knickers in a twist. Without that development we'd be back to one guy every ten years (Hopper probably would've been that guy IMO, though not a top 10 talent). It's a knee jerk response - this setup is working, guys that wouldn't necessarily make it to the AFL are now doing so... so let's kill it.

Ok. There was some talk on SEN today about the GWS eventually re-locating to Canberra. I am not sure if there is any merit in that but next season GWS will play 8 games at Sydney Showgrounds and 3 in Canberra. But I think GC is going to remain an uphill battle.

I think GWS is pretty locked in Sydney simply because the corporate dollars on offer way outweigh Canberra, even by comparison of membership numbers. GWS has been one of the top corporately supported teams from Day 1, despite their results.

 

[bradburygold]

I think GWS is pretty locked in Sydney simply because the corporate dollars on offer way outweigh Canberra, even by comparison of membership numbers. GWS has been one of the top corporately supported teams from Day 1, despite their results.

I heard the rumour from another source just today, corporate dollars okay but no fan support and they are finding it impossible to get and maintain staff. I would not be surprised. The AFL would have to make a Tassie team first or they will burn AFL house down for further supporting a semi-failed expansion side before giving them a side.

 

[Determinant]

I heard the rumour from another source just today, corporate dollars okay but no fan support and they are finding it impossible to get and maintain staff. I would not be surprised. The AFL would have to make a Tassie team first or they will burn AFL house down for further supporting a semi-failed expansion side before giving them a side.

Rumour is wrong.

No issues getting or keeping staff beyond what any club or business faces.
Fan support is already higher than many NRL teams can boast and is slowly building, Sydney had stuffall support for years until they started winning, unfortunately Sydney likes winners and rarely turns up to watch losers.

 

[Since 2001]

Hearing that Harley balics parents aren't too keen on their son moving to wa.

 

[bradburygold]

Rumour is wrong.

No issues getting or keeping staff beyond what any club or business faces.
Fan support is already higher than many NRL teams can boast and is slowly building, Sydney had stuffall support for years until they started winning, unfortunately Sydney likes winners and rarely turns up to watch losers.

hypothetically the person works at gws. corporate support is plastic - it comes directly from AFLs national sponsors not locals.