For another Friday Fantasy Football Feature, here is a look at what to expect with the new players in AFL. First year players are often the cheapest to add to your AFL fantasy teams, and if you have a couple of them on your bench at the start of the season you can benefit from that. You get more money to spend on other players, the value of your first year players will nearly always increase, and many of them will have games during the year with solid fantasy statistics.
Like many of the fantasy players, an injury or two on their AFL team can change the role and playing time of a first year player. If Richardson gets hurt then Riewoldt could be a star, if Ottens misses some games then Hawkins could have the forward line all to himself, and if injuries again hit the Saints onballers then Armitage could go from a fantasy bench player to a big star.
Good fantasy players don't have to be good AFL players, and sometimes the worse their team is the better the young player will perform in fantasy. When choosing a young player to sign for fantasy, you want a player on a team that needs to play their youth, a rebuilding team like Carlton or Brisbane has to play most of their draft picks to develop them while a contending team, the Eagles or Swans for example, will be going with their veterans for most of the season, unless injuries hit.
Good first year fantasy players are also more likely to be playing in an overlooked role. A half back flanker is often a great position for fantasy numbers. Even a midfield player who doesn't play all game could be better for fantasy than a key position player who has more playing time. While ruckmen can often change the result of a game, in fantasy leagues their contribution doesn't get measured as well by stats, and this is even more evident with young ruckmen.
You can follow the AFL Insider fantasy team when the season starts, and you can expect to see Gibbs picked for the midfield, someone like Urquhart picked as a defender and maybe Riewoldt, Thorp or Hansen on the fantasy bench as well.
Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
Gibbs could be on most fantasy teams next season. If the fantasy leagues follow their usual procedure and put a low price on all the new players then Gibbs will be a steal. He should play every game for Carlton next season.
Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
Essendon have plenty of veteran talls that they will play ahead of him. But if Lucas is out then Gumbleton might be worth a spot on your fantasy team.
Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
When filling out your AFL fantasy team you want one or two of the cheapest players on your bench at each position. Hansen could be a good investment as he is capable of getting a lot of marks and possessions, and the Kangaroos will play him a lot.
Brisbane: Matthew Leuenberger
Unlikely to help fantasy teams next season.
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak
They drafted him very early so you would expect the Power to play him next season.
Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
Will be a star fantasy player, but maybe not next season. Could be a player who in fantasy is rated as a forward but he might have the stats of a midfielder.
Geelong: Joel Selwood
Selwood would be a good player to have on your fantasy bench.
Collingwood: Ben Reid
Not this year. But should be a fantasy superstar in the future.
St Kilda: David Armitage
It is usually a good move to sign a midfielder for your fantasy team if they were a first round pick. But the Saints will get back Hayes, and also added Birss to their midfield for next season. Armitage is still worth signing, but Gibbs is a much better option if their price is the same.
Collingwood: Nathan Brown
An injury to Rocca or Clement and Brown will get a chance.
Western Bulldogs: Andrejs Everitt
Forget about Everitt for fantasy leagues for at least a couple of years.
Melbourne: James Frawley
Maybe in a year or two.
Richmond: Jack Riewoldt
Could be a solid player for them, and cheap in fantasy AFL leagues.
Adelaide: James Sellar
The Crows will play him next season, but unless he is playing a lot of minutes on the field there is no need to put him in your fantasy team.
Sydney: Daniel O'Keefe
Has the makings of a good fantasy player, gets plenty of statistics, but might not have a lot of opportunities next season for Sydney.
West Coast: Mitchell Brown
If Lynch is out then maybe Brown will get a chance.
Carlton: Sean Hampson
Ruckman don't usually help fantasy teams, and Hampson will need a few years development time anyway.
Essendon: Leroy Jetta
Not sure if he will be playing in the early rounds, they might wait a bit as some of their other picks are more ready to play. But for fantasy he could have some value when he does play.
Carlton: Shaun Grigg
If he is position eligible as a forward, but Carlton play him a lot in the midfield then he could be a really good fantasy player. Carlton finished last, delisted a lot of players who played senior football last season, there should be a spot for Grigg on their team.
Essendon: Tom Hislop
There is no reason why he can't play every game for Essendon next season, if he does then fantasy teams that added him early in the season will benefit.
Kangaroos: Gavin Urquhart
Makepeace provided useful fantasy numbers last season, his role could be taken by Urquhart next season. Urquhart could be a good defender on your fantasy bench next season.
Brisbane: Albert Proud
Definitely worth adding to your bench. Could play most, if not all, of the games next season.
Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart
Won't do a lot in 2007.
Hawthorn: Brent Renouf
A player for the future, as Renouf could be eligible as a ruckmen in fantasy but be played as a defender with better stats on the field. Petrie was an example of that in fantasy last season, he could be played as a ruckman in your team but then the Kangaroos played him loose across half back and he had a lot of the ball.
Geelong: Nathan Djerrkura
If Djerrkura gets a chance early in 2007 he might hold his spot in the Geelong team all year. He could be a defender for his fantasy position, but he could get the stats of a midfielder.
Richmond: Shane Edwards
Is a chance to play next season and fantasy managers should be aware if he is promoted to the Richmond AFL side. Richmond have had a few first year players who have been good for fantasy teams.
St Kilda: Brad Howard
The Saints have plenty of other midfielders to play before him.
Collingwood: Chris Dawes
Is out injured for 2007.
West Coast: Eric MacKenzie
He is a pick for the future and won't be seeing much action in 2007.
Melbourne: Ricky Petterd
Nathan Jones had some solid fantasy numbers last season, if Petterd does get a chance to play next season his stats could be similar.
Fremantle: Clayton Collard
Might have played more on another team, but Collard won't have enough playing time with the Dockers for fantasy stats next season.
Adelaide: Kurt Tippett
Bigs usually take longer to develop. But maybe Adelaide need him in the goalsquare so if they do play him, and he kicks goals, then he will help fantasy teams.
Hawthorn: Jarryd Morton
Won't do a lot next season.
Brisbane: Chris Schmidt
Could be a surprise player next season and for fantasy leagues his value could rapidly go up if he gets some early games.
Carlton: Mark Austin
Can't see a role for him there unless injuries hit.
Essendon: Alwyn Davey
Aaron was a very productive fantasy player last season, Alwyn could be a good player to sign for a low price next season.
Kangaroos: Todd Goldstein
Is behind several other ruckmen there so he won't play many games, if any next season.
Brisbane: James Hawksley
Might depend on the health of players like Lappin and Roe, but Hawksley might play a bit.
Port Adelaide: Nathan Krakouer
Is a player for the future there, and in fantasy his impact is also a few years away.
Hawthorn: Josh Kennedy
Birchall was a good fantasy player when the Hawks introduced him to their team last season, Kennedy should be even better.
Geelong: Tom Hawkins
Will be worth signing for fantasy AFL. If he is among the low-priced first year players then he will be a great asset on your bench. While usually the first year key forwards don't contribute to fantasy teams, Hawkins should be an exception to that.
Essendon: Bachar Houli
Is physically ready so the Bombers might play him sometimes, but not a good option for fantasy teams.
West Coast: Tim Houlihan
Not this season.
Collingwood: Brad Dick
Won't play a lot.
Western Bulldogs: Brennan Stack
Was picked for the future.
Melbourne: Colin Garland
Is a few years away.
Essendon: Kyle Reimers
Essendon have better options this season.
Adelaide: David MacKay
Maybe in season 2008.
Sydney: Daniel Currie
Won't play next season.
West Coast: Will Schofield
Unless Glass, Graham, MacKenzie and Brown are all out injured there won't be a spot for Schofield in their AFL side.
Carlton: Clint Benjamin
Definitely worth a look for your fantasy team.
Fremantle: Brock O'Brien
The Dockers have too much depth for O'Brien to play enough for fantasy consideration.
Kangaroos: Lindsay Thomas
They need his style of play so he should get some games, and he has the potential for plenty of possessions too.
Brisbane: Matt Tyler
The Lions are rebuilding and will play most of their list, but Tyler won't be useful for fantasy teams.
Port Adelaide: Robert Gray
Might play if Ebert is out.
Hawthorn: Garry Moss
If Mitchell is out then Moss could get time in the middle.
Geelong: Simon Hogan
Geelong have other options ahead of him for the midfield.
Richmond: Daniel Connors
An injury or two and Connors could be a big part of the Tigers midfield.
St Kilda Jarryd Allen
Drafted late but could be a surprise next season. But won't get a lot of stats.
Richmond Carl Peterson
Might not play AFL next season.
Western Bulldogs: Josh Hill
Won't make an impact next season.
Melbourne: Isack Weetra
A pick for the future, nothing expected next season.
Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack
Won't do a lot next year.
Adelaide: Nick Gill
An older player and the Crows will use him next season. Could be useful as a cheap fantasy forward.
Sydney: Peter Faulks
Won't play.
Western Bulldogs: Malcolm Lynch
Several years away.
Carlton: Joe Anderson
Could be given a run as Carlton need help in the backline.
Kangaroos: Ben Warren
Won't see much action next season.
Brisbane: Sam Sheldon
A year or two away.
Port Adelaide: Justin Westhoff
Power have other young forwards to play instead of him.
Richmond: Andrew Collins
Won't play a lot.
St Kilda: Matthew Ferguson
He had 0 fantasy points last season, won't do much more this time.
Western Bulldogs: Paul O'Shea
Very young player, won't play.
Fremantle: Calib Mourish
Not for a year or two.
Adelaide: Bryce Campbell
An older player so if injuries hit the Crows' smalls then Campbell might play.
Sydney: Jesse White
Might play but won't get big fantasy numbers.
West Coast: James Thomson
West Coast are loaded with talent and Thomson won't get a chance this season.
Kangaroos: Aaron Edwards
The Kangaroos might use him to replace Rocca's stats, but in fantasy leagues Edwards could be half the price that Saverio was. Edwards will be a player to watch and might be useful in fantasy AFL. If Thompson misses games then Edwards could really produce in fantasy.
Port Adelaide: Ryan Williams
Unlikely to play.
Port Adelaide: David Rodan
He is ready if needed, but they have a lot of small forwards on their list.
Draft Table Talk:
They didn't trade for any help, and in the draft they also didn't acquire players who can help next season. Melbourne was another team that was focused on the future with their draft picks. Frawley is a young prospect for the backline, so as Reid and Everitt were already taken, the Demons went with another athletic tall who is a season or two away.
Melbourne went big, small, big and small in the draft. Maybe this was a strategy for the draft, and pick 30 was Petterd who is a talented small player.
Big again at pick 46, and Melbourne again drafted a player who won't help next season. The Demons expect Garland to play at both ends of the field, but not for several years.
Weetra is a small forward prospect, but also has experience in other spots, at pick 62 the Demons already had a small defender in Petterd so going with a small to play as a forward was a good move.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Jones and Bartram played for the Demons last season but the players taken in the 2006 draft are projects compared to the players from 2005. The new players from the 2006 draft do have greater size and athleticism, and if Melbourne are patient the 2006 draft will be as valuable as the 2005 draft.
Player: Pick 12 James Frawley, 193cm 81kg (North Ballarat)
Comparison: Anthony Ingerson
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Tall Defender
Player: Pick 30 Ricky Petterd, 185cm 77kg (Broadbeach)
Comparison: Steven Stretch
ETA: Later Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Small Defender
Player: Pick 46 Colin Garland, 191cm 85kg (Tassie Mariners)
Comparison: Brent Grgic
ETA: 2009
Possible position: Centre Half Forward
Player: Pick 62 Isack Weetra, 182cm 78kg (Port Adelaide Magpies)
Comparison: Sean Charles
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Small Forward, Midfielder
Gibbs has a Glenelg jumper, his South Australian jumper and will now add the number 4 Carlton jumper to his collection.
If Bryce Gibbs continues to follow in the footsteps of Kernahan then he will be named Carlton's captain in 2008. Not likely, but you never know.
The Crows also handed their number 4 to a draftee, Kurt Tippett will be number 4. James Sellar is number 29, David Mackay is number 14, Nick Gill will wear number 1 and Bryce Campbell was given number 31 by the Crows.
It seemed that some of the coaches like Sheedy were losing their ability to think in unique ways, but last week had him not only getting a retired premiership player to sign with Essendon but he also casually mentioned that he would try to get an Ablett from Geelong. Maybe some coaches have already considered this next prospect, even though it would be a million to one chance.
This potential footballer is 195cm tall, has good endurance and strength and also has a sporting background. They are listed at 102kg so they have key position size. They also have huge hands which would help them in aerial contests.
Born in 1982, they are a week younger than Adam McPhee, so there is plenty of time for them to learn the game. There is the potential for a 100-game player, even if they need a year or two at VFL level.
They are not an Essendon supporter, so maybe the Swans would have a better chance.
Of course the possible football player is Ian Thorpe. But stranger things have happened. NBA great Tim Duncan was once a champion swimmer, but after a hurricane wrecked his pool the 7-footer went to basketball. Brogan won the NBL title before he also won in the AFL. Saverio Rocca could have been an Olympic shot-put athlete, Koutoufides might have been a hurdler and McKernan might have been a golfer.
A team that did get Thorpe to train with them would get a lot of publicity. You know the TV channels have Thorpe on their minds as both 7 and 10 have been putting the letter e on the end of Mitchell Thorp's name.
It won't happen, but a club has nothing to lose if they do ask him, and an athlete that big does have a lot of the things required to play AFL.
Draft Table Talk:
Leuenberger didn't make sense for the Kangaroos because they already have three young ruckman, Gumbleton was gone so the pick was Hansen or Selwood. It had to be Hansen, they couldn't go past a player with his size and mobility.
Urquhart was a surprise as there were other players like Proud and Petterd who were rated as better prospects from Queensland. They could have been looking for more of a defender type, than just a midfielder, so Urquhart would have filled that requirement.
The Kangaroos would have looked at their list of players available at pick 37 and seen a huge ruck project as well as a player called Krakouer. They went big, which is always a good strategy, but their fans might be wondering why they didn't go with Krakouer.
At pick 53 they might have been looking at the speedsters still there, and Thomas won over players like Hogan. Thomas has been played as a forward, as well as in the midfield, so the Kangaroos might play him close to goal.
Pick 69 is a bit late to find a star but the Kangaroos can find players late in drafts. They need goals and Warren may be able to help.
But pick 82 will definitely help them score goals. All but one team had packed up and gone home at this part of the draft but the Kangaroos added a player coming off a 100-goal season.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
They actually had draft picks, which is a change as they traded away picks in the previous two drafts. Hansen was the first round pick in 2006, they traded their pick for Hay last season. This draft could be the Kangaroos' best ever draft, especially if Goldstein becomes the player they think he can.
Player: Pick 3 Lachlan Hansen, 197cm 90kg (Gippsland)
Comparison: Corey McKernan
ETA: Round 1 2007
Possible position: Centre Half Back, Centre Half Forward
Player: Pick 21 Gavin Urquhart, 181cm 80kg (Morningside)
Comparison: Glenn Freeborn
ETA: Middle Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Small Defender
Player: Pick 37 Todd Goldstein, 201cm 106kg (Oakleigh)
Comparison: Alex Ishchenko
ETA: 2008 or 2009
Possible position: Ruckman
Player: Pick 53 Lindsay Thomas, 180cm 76kg (Port Adelaide)
Comparison: Jess Sinclair
ETA: Late Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 69 Ben Warren, 186cm 78kg (Zillmere Eagles)
Comparison: Scott Welsh
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Medium Forward
Player: Pick 82 Aaron Edwards, 184cm 88kg (Frankston)
Comparison: John McCarthy
ETA: Early Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Full Forward
Draft Table Talk:
Hawthorn mentioned they had Thorp ranked at 5 in the draft, but out of all the top picks he was the best fit for them.
Renouf might not have been the plan but for Hawthorn they felt he was too good not to pick.
Pick 33 had a few options instead of Morton. They could have taken Schmidt for his goalkicking, Goldstein for his potential or Hawksley for his name. But before the draft it was rumoured that Hawthorn wanted Morton and they got him.
Pick 40 would have been worth it just to grab another generation of the Kennedy family, but they don't just continue a tradition as they get a very versatile player who should be a regular contributor next season.
The Hawks had plenty of options at pick 56, they could have gone tall with Allen or picked a different midfielder like Hogan or Connors. Moss was a steal so late in the draft.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Hawthorn dominated the 2005 draft, but the 2006 draft should be just as valuable for them. Ellis, Dowler, Birchall and Bailey went in the top 18 picks in 2005. Although the Hawks only had Thorp as an early pick this time, they still drafted great prospects with their other picks too. The Hawks continued with adding father/son picks as they took Travis Tuck in 2005 and Josh Kennedy in 2006.
Player: Pick 6 Mitchell Thorp, 194cm 86kg (Tassie Mariners)
Comparison: Chris Langford
ETA: Round 1 2007
Possible position: Centre Half Forward, Full Back, Centre Half Back
Player: Pick 24 Brent Renouf, 200cm 93kg (Southport)
Comparison: Stephen Lawrence
ETA: Middle Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Ruckman, Centre Half Back
Player: Pick 33 Jarryd Morton, 191cm 81kg (Claremont)
Comparison: Brendan Krummel
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Medium Forward
Player: Pick 40 (father/son) Josh Kennedy, 186cm 88kg (Sandringham Dragons)
Comparison: Anthony Condon
ETA: Early Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Medium Forward, Midfielder
Player: Pick 56 Garry Moss, 180cm 70kg (East Perth)
Comparison: Daniel Harford
ETA: Late Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Draft Table Talk:
Not difficult for the Cats to decide on Selwood, they had a top 5 player available to them there at pick 7 so it was an easy choice.
It would have been interesting to hear what other players the Cats were looking at for pick 25. Players still available to select included MacKenzie, Tippett, Allen and Schofield, but the Cats might have been looking for another small. Djerrkura has some extra pace and Geelong would have considered that when comparing him to other players for pick 25.
There was never a pick easier to make than taking Hawkins in the third round with the father/son rule.
Geelong added a fast player with their last pick. That would have been something they went into the draft looking for and they got it with two of their picks.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Varcoe slipped to Geelong's first pick in 2005 because he was injured, and again in the 2006 draft the Cats might have got a steal as Selwood would have gone earlier if he was not injured in 2006. Geelong went big in 2005 with their next picks, but went small with picks 25 and 57 in the 2006 draft. Geelong might have found a player in speedy Stokes with their last pick in 2005, and in 2006 they went with one of the quickest prospects with their final pick as they took Hogan. The big difference between the drafts is Hawkins, and he will help Geelong more than their entire 2005 draft.
Player: Pick 7 Joel Selwood, 182cm 80kg (Bendigo)
Comparison: Mark Bairstow
ETA: Round 1 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 25 Nathan Djerrkura, 176cm 77kg (Wanderers)
Comparison: Sean Denham
ETA: Middle Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Small Defender, Midfielder
Player: Pick 41 (father/son) Tom Hawkins, 197cm 95kg (Sandringham Dragons)
Comparison: Barry Stoneham
ETA: Round 1 2007
Possible position: Full Forward
Player: Pick 57 Simon Hogan, 181cm 68kg (Geelong Falcons)
Comparison: Shannon Byrnes
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Midfielder
Draft Table Talk:
It would have been a restful day for the Dockers compared to the other teams on draft day. Pick 31 eventually came around and with local star Collard still available it was an easy decision. Maybe Morton was considered, but couldn't go past Collard.
When they got to pick 52 O'Brien was still there, so another easy pick. The Dockers could have taken O'Brien or Moss there.
The Dockers took some more time when considering pick 77. Mourish at 77 was a good pick by the Dockers, little risk that late in the draft.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
The Dockers only had 3 picks in 2005 as well, they went on Drum, Ibbotson and Warnock. The Dockers went for more height in the 2005 draft than the 2006 one. The 2006 draft might be as valuable to the Dockers as the 2005 could prove to be, even though the Dockers traded away early picks this time. But if you also take into account that Tarrant and Solomon were brought in this offseason, the Dockers have improved their list a lot.
Player: Pick 31 Clayton Collard, 182cm 86kg (South Fremantle)
Comparison: Des Headland
ETA: Middle Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder/Small Forward
Player: Pick 52 Brock O'Brien, 181cm 75kg (Peel)
Comparison: Luke Toia
ETA: Later Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 77 Calib Mourish, 190cm 85kg (Towns)
Comparison: Steven Koops
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Medium Forward
Draft Table Talk:
The Bombers said they went with Gumbleton over Hansen because Gumbleton had played more football up forward. The plan isn't for next season, but in a few years from now when players like Lucas and Lloyd are at the end of their careers the Bombers will have Gumbleton ready for centre half forward.
The next two picks would not have had a lot of discussion, Jetta and Hislop had to be picked.
Pick 36 might have been a harder choice for Essendon, and there were several players at this spot they would have liked. Davey is a player that Essendon need next season for their forward line so it was a good pick, and they might have thought the Kangaroos would take him with the next pick. But Essendon did miss out on Goldstein, and Sheedy would have liked him.
Essendon won't expect a lot from their last two picks. Houli will play in the VFL unless injuries hit the Bombers' midfield, while Reimers is a backup option for the forward line or midfield. Interesting picks for Essendon as they went with one tall and then five smalls.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Gumbleton and Ryder have a lot in common, so the Bombers' first pick in the 2006 and 2005 drafts was a tall forward from WA. In this draft the Bombers then went small with Jetta, Hislop and Davey. In the 2005 version Essendon picked Courtenay Dempsey with their second pick. The 2006 draft will help Essendon a lot more than the previous one, and the players selected in the 2006 draft probably play a lot more games next season than the players Essendon took in 2005. There probably isn't room to play both of them right away, so something to watch is to see whether Gumbleton gets a game next season before Ryder does, Ryder might have a year of AFL experience but it seems that Gumbleton is the more developed player.
Player: Pick 2 Scott Gumbleton, 197cm 93kg (Peel)
Comparison: Terry Daniher
ETA: Early rounds of 2007
Possible position: Centre half forward, Centre Half Back
Player: Pick 18 Leroy Jetta, 177cm 76kg (South Fremantle)
Comparison: Michael Long
ETA: Early rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 20 Tom Hislop, 184cm 86kg (Tassie Mariners)
Comparison: Joe Misiti
ETA: Round 1 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 36 Alwyn Davey, 176cm 78kg (South Adelaide)
Comparison: Che Cockatoo-Collins
ETA: Round 1 or 2 2007
Possible position: Small Forward
Player: Pick 42 Bachar Houli, 181cm 89kg (Western)
Comparison: Ben Doolan
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 47 Kyle Reimers, 184cm 78kg (Peel)
Comparison: Michael Prior
ETA: 2009
Possible position: Midfielder
Draft Table Talk:
The Magpies obviously went for the future with this draft, that was their draft strategy and it was successful. Reid is one of the youngest draft picks, but his "ceiling" if he develops is also one of the highest. He could be anything, like Goodes, McKernan or Koutoufides, and they might have to invent a position to describe what he does in the future. He was the player with the most potential at pick 8, and the Magpies made the decision to pick him at 8 in case the Saints were interested.
The Magpies already had a key position player picked, but they went with another one at pick 10. That means they decided to pass on the Queensland ruck prospects as well as a number of midfielders. The Magpies decided that N Brown was not only better than his brother, but they also picked him ahead of Riewoldt, Sellar, MacKenzie and Everitt.
While the Magpies have not given up on the 2007 season, with Didak hurt and Tarrant traded they are looking more to the future. Dawes is another pick for 2008 or later. The Magpies obviously thought that if Dawes was not injured he would be a top 20 pick, so they drafted him because he has already shown he has the size and ability, and Collingwood can wait for him. Collingwood did say they researched his injury and the progress he was making in recovering.
Dick is another player who will pay dividends in the future, after going with taller players with the first three picks a smaller player was a good move. They picked Dick over some other smalls like Lindsay Thomas, Simon Hogan and Daniel Connors.
Collingwood might have a ruckman in mind for the preseason draft, so that could be why they didn't take one in this draft. They rolled the dice with Goldsack for their last pick and drafted another athletic player with height, but who needs to develop more physically. If they wanted a player who might help next season then a bigger player like Jesse White could have been picked here. But this was a draft for the future and Collingwood were not looking for immediate help.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
2006 was the big draft, while 2005 was the small to medium draft. Reid and Brown are as talented as last year's Thomas and Pendlebury, but a lot taller. Ben Reid's time at the 2006 draft camp for the 20m sprint was 2.93, Dale Thomas had a result of 2.93 at the 2005 draft camp. If Collingwood fans are excited about Thomas, the future is even better with Reid. Nathan Brown was even faster than those two, although just 0.02 faster, so when the players from the 2006 and 2005 drafts are ready to play a big role it will be a very fast and athletic Collingwood team. Since 2005 was a shorter player draft, and 2006 was mainly key position picks, then Collingwood must be looking at a ruckman or two in next year's draft.
Player: Pick 8 Ben Reid, 196cm 82kg (Murray)
Comparison: Len Thompson
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Centre Half Back, Midfielder
Player: Pick 10 Nathan Brown, 194cm 87kg (North Ballarat)
Comparison: James Clement
ETA: Early Rounds of 2007
Possible position: Tall Defender
Player: Pick 28 Chris Dawes, 194cm 96kg (Sandringham Dragons)
Comparison: Craig Starcevich
ETA: 2008 or 2009
Possible position: Centre Half Forward
Player: Pick 44 Brad Dick, 182cm 69kg (East Fremantle)
Comparison: Robert Ahmat
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Small Forward
Player: Pick 63 Tyson Goldsack, 191cm 82kg (Gippsland)
Comparison: Steven Pitt
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Medium Defender
A bit of a break from draft trivia, although next week will have a rookie draft question.
Who scored the most goals for the team that won the game when the MCG scoreboard was on fire?
Draft Table Talk:
Kernahan said, "Gibbs", everyone else agreed.
Someone then proposed drafting a Queensland ruckman with the priority pick. They had four to choose from and went with Hampson. In going with Hampson they went with the player with more "upside".
Grigg is an exciting player, and it was a great pick at 19, but not sure where he plays. Maybe they drafted him for the wing. They did overlook key position help at this pick, with MacKenzie or Allen, and smaller midfielders, Hislop and Proud. But they decided on Grigg so they must have a role selected for him.
Pick 35 was another Glenelg player, so there might be a reason behind that. They could have had Goldstein at this pick.
The Benjamin pick would have been an easy one to make. They need a player like him at half back. They also had couple of other WA players to consider here, O'Brien and Moss.
For their last pick they must have considered Jake Williams and Sam Sheldon. Sam Jacobs might have been another player they could have picked.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Murphy in 2005, Gibbs in 2006, they went small each time. Kennedy and Bower were other high picks last time, and Kennedy was at pick 3 with the priority picks before the first round last year, and this time they went with Hampson and Grigg. The Hampson and Grigg combo is a combined 4cm taller than the added heights of Kennedy and Bower last draft, so Carlton did add some height with all those picks. If Hampson becomes a solid player, and if Benjamin finds a spot in the team, the 2006 draft should help Carlton even more than the 2005 draft looks like it will. Going back through all the drafts, Hampson might be the first real young ruck prospect that Carlton have ever drafted, as opposed to a recycled ruckman or a forward who would be played in the ruck. Which is strange for a club that built a winning team in the past with Nicholls, Fitzpatrick and Madden in the ruck.
Player: Pick 1 Bryce Gibbs, 187cm 78kg (Glenelg)
Comparison: Craig Bradley
ETA: Round 1 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 17 Sean Hampson, 201cm 93kg (Mt Gravatt)
Comparison: Mark Porter
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Ruckman
Player: Pick 19 Shaun Grigg, 190cm 79kg (North Ballarat)
Comparison: Mil Hanna
ETA: Early rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder/Medium Forward
Player: Pick 35 Mark Austin, 193cm 88kg (Glenelg)
Comparison: Ian Aitken
ETA: 2009
Possible position: Tall Defender
Player: Pick 51 Clint Benjamin, 189cm 81kg (Claremont)
Comparison: Brett Sholl
ETA: Late rounds of 2007
Possible position: Medium Defender/Midfielder
Player: Pick 67 Joe Anderson, 188cm 81kg (Darwin)
Comparison: Simon Fletcher
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Medium Defender
Draft Table Talk:
Brisbane said Leuenberger was the best player available so they went with him, they also mentioned that for them he was ranked in the top two players for the draft.
They probably didn't expect to see Proud available at 22 so there won't have been much debating over who to pick there. Renouf and Tippett were not options for Brisbane here because they already had Leuenberger.
Might have been deciding between Schmidt and Hawksley at pick 34. It didn't matter though. Hawksley was there at pick 38.
The Lions might have wanted a key position player with pick 54, as they had a ruckman and three smaller players with their other picks. They took Tyler but Allen or White might have been other options they looked at.
The Lions must have been the team that convinced Sheldon to enter the draft, instead of waiting for 2007 to be drafted. If that was the Lions' plan it worked and Sheldon was still there at their last pick.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Some definite similarities. A tall from WA in the first round of both drafts, then their second pick went on a local. Leuenberger and Proud in 2006, Clark and Mills in 2005. It will be a hard task for the Lions to find a spot for both Leuenberger and Clark in their team next season. You have to go back to the 2001 draft for the last time the Lions didn't go tall with their first pick.
Player: Pick 4 Matthew Leuenberger, 203cm 93kg (East Perth)
Comparison: Clark Keating
ETA: A few games in 2007.
Possible position: Ruckman, Tall Forward
Player: Pick 22 Albert Proud, 180cm 83kg (Mt Gravatt)
Comparison: Michael McLean
ETA: Early rounds of 2007
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 34 Chris Schmidt, 188cm 81kg (West Adelaide)
Comparison: Nigel Lappin
ETA: Middle rounds of 2007
Possible position: Medium Forward
Player: Pick 38 James Hawksley, 186cm 73kg (Peel)
Comparison: Nigel Palfreyman
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Medium Defender
Player: Pick 54 Matt Tyler, 194cm 82kg (North Ballarat)
Comparison: Rudi Frigo
ETA: 2009
Possible position: Centre Half Back
Player: Pick 70 Sam Sheldon, 183cm 79kg (Oakleigh)
Comparison: David Bain
ETA: 2008 or 2009
Possible position: Midfielder
Draft Table Talk:
It would have been a short discussion at pick 14, couldn't say anything but Sellar there.
Maybe they thought about Schmidt at number 32, but they had a need for a big forward and some ruck depth so Tippett helped both needs.
David MacKay over Lindsay Thomas might have been the choice at 48.
The Crows might have gone into the draft looking for a forward who is older and can help them next season. Gill or Aaron Edwards was the choice, and they took Gill who was from their local SANFL league. Gill is also a player more comparable to Hentschel than Edwards is, and this might have been something they considered.
Their last choice was also an older player, Campbell can help in the midfield and can also kick a goal. Unlike many other teams, the Crows decided not to pass on their last pick so they must think highly of Campbell.
2006 Draft vs 2005 Draft:
Crows went a lot bigger, and better, in the 2006 draft. Adelaide went with Douglas and Pfeiffer at 16 and 17 in 2005, a very different return for the Crows compared to big Sellar at pick 14 this time.
Player: Pick 14 James Sellar, 195cm 90kg (Glenelg)
Comparison: Mathew Robran
ETA: Early rounds of 2007
Possible position: Centre half forward, Full Forward
Player: Pick 32 Kurt Tippett, 201cm 96kg (Southport)
Comparison: Ben Marsh
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Full Forward, Ruckman
Player: Pick 48 David MacKay, 181cm 69kg (Oakleigh)
Comparison: Kym Koster
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Midfielder
Player: Pick 64 Nick Gill, 192cm 90kg (North Adelaide)
Comparison: Mark Stevens
ETA: A few games during 2007.
Possible position: Centre Half Forward
Player: Pick 78 Bryce Campbell, 180cm 80kg (Norwood)
Comparison: Mark Viska
ETA: 2008
Possible position: Midfielder
Over the next week or two all the teams will have their draft reviewed. The draft table talk looks at some of the decisions they would have had to make before selecting a player. Then there is a comparison for the team's result from this draft and the 2005 draft. For the drafted players, the ETA is when they could be playing senior AFL football, the player comparison is a past or current player from that team that they could replicate in position, style of play or type of career.
Hawthorn fans might want to post who their 4 favourite players are, as the club might be a bit off with their picks.
The Hawks are advertising a Christmas party as well as some membership options. One part of a supporter pack that they have for sale is a Hawk supporter card, with 4 options to pick from.
Crawford, Hodge, Vandenberg and Croad are the options for "fans to select their favourite player".
Hodge makes sense, not sure about the rest. Crawford is the past, Vandenberg isn't that popular while Croad might be deserving of a spot.
Sam Mitchell has plenty of possessions and plenty of fans. The AFL tribunal might not like him, and last season it seemed there was not only duck and rabbit season but also Mitchell season, but he could be in the top 4 with the supporters.
Lance Franklin, nothing more needs to be said there.
Chance Bateman might have been worth a mention too. It is early, and the membership information would have been released before the draft, but Hawthorn will have to get on the Mitchell Thorp bandwagon before it's full. Before the end of season 2007 he will be one of the Hawthorn fans' favourite players.
If you want to go to Christmas with the Hawks, it is on December 10 at Waverley from 11am to 3pm.
It took a long time during the AFL draft for a team to pick Garry Moss, Hawthorn took the small midfielder at pick 56. But he was lucky compared to a great many other small players. Teams went athletic and big, while star smalls missed out. It wasn't just the unfortunate Caruso who will have to wait for the rookie draft for another chance, as there were a lot more small players who were overlooked.
South Australia's Tom Hurley was a surprise omission. One of the SA teams will probably want him in the rookie draft.
Evan Duryea, who represented NSW at the Under 18 games and has also been playing in Queensland, was unlucky not to go late in the draft. Craig Bird also missed and will probably go to the Swans in the rookie draft now.
While Moss did make it, Shawn Colbung of Western Australia was not picked.
Then there was a plethora of Victorian players, including Fortunato Caruso whose many awards and huge possession numbers couldn't sway teams to look past his listed height of 168cm.
Geelong used their last pick on Simon Hogan, but it could have been Jackson Sheringham who was picked there instead, Sheringham might be a rookie chance now for the Cats. Ben Ross and Robert Eddy of the Gippsland Power should get a look in the rookie draft. Nathan Batsanis helped his team win the TAC Cup but it wasn't enough to get drafted, Dean Kelly also went undrafted. Leigh Adams was another small that missed.
There was also Hayden Skipworth, delisted by the Crows and there was some interest from other clubs, but he will now be a chance to go in the preseason draft.
There were a few surprises among the taller prospects as Tom Collier and Sam Jacobs went undrafted, but that was more of an exception to how the draft went.
Danyle Pearce was a player that wasn't taken in the AFL National Draft, and things worked out for him, so there could be some future stars of the AFL among the players who were overlooked on Saturday, but get another chance on December 12 with the preseason and rookie drafts.
Below are the 20 questions that were asked before the draft, and now we know the answers.
Who was picked second?
Gumbleton was the pick by Essendon. It was him, Leuenberger or Hansen and the Bombers again went with a tall from WA. If you go five years into the future, the Bombers could have an all-WA forward line with Gumbleton, Ryder and Johns, and Jetta could also be played forward too.
Did Troy Makepeace get another chance in this draft?
Didn't make it back through the National Draft, not many delisted players did.
Did the Brown brothers go to the same AFL team?
Not even in the same state, but they are now both a type of bird with Nathan a Magpie and Mitchell an Eagle.
Who was the draft day slider?
Jarryd Allen was a chance to go in the top 20, so ending up at 59 is a bit of a slide. The Saints will need Allen’s height next season, possibly in the backline, so he could get some games for them in 2007.
Did Richmond get the player at pick 13 that they would have taken at number 8?
They certainly did, as they wanted Riewoldt and even though they moved down a few picks they still got him.
Who was the first Queensland player taken?
Armitage was a bit of a surprise.
Did the Eagles draft Jarryd Morton?
They had to take MacKenzie at pick 29, so they missed on Morton.
Who was the second ruckman taken?
Hampson was the answer here, a bit of a surprise.
Did Terry Wallace draft a tall player?
He did get his smalls as he likes to do with later picks, but he did go tall with his first round pick and took Riewoldt.
Which player could be considered the biggest reach?
Boak had a lot of hype before the draft so when he was taken at 5 it wasn't a big surprise, so maybe he isn't the big reach. Melbourne were a team that went for potential in the first round, and Frawley might be a bit of a reach as players like Sellar were still there.
Did Carlton still draft one of their possible father/son prospects late in the draft?
Brisbane took Sheldon, so Carlton will look to the rookie draft if they want Williams or Johnston.
Who was the first "recycled" player, as in a player just delisted, taken by a club?
Matthew Ferguson was the surprise answer for this, as only he and Rodan were players who had just been delisted but were drafted again.
Did Chris Dawes find a club that is able to wait for him to recover?
Collingwood went big with their picks and Dawes will be ready to play beside Rocca in 2008.
Would a Selwood be based in yet another state next season?
Selwood went to a Victorian team, Geelong, so that is state number three.
Did Collingwood draft the same type of player at both 8 and 10?
Both picks went on athletic talls, probably Brown and Reid both become defenders for the Magpies.
Were more players drafted from the Northern Territory than drafted out of New South Wales?
If the AFL counts Hawkins as a player from NSW then it is around 3 to 2 for the NSW system.
Will Riewoldt play with Riewoldt and will Krakouer play beside Krakouer next season?
No family reunions this draft. Riewoldt to Richmond and Krakouer to the Power.
Was 100 VFL goals enough to get Aaron Edwards back on a list in the AFL?
Pick 82, but he is in the league again.
Did the size and potential of Todd Goldstein make him a much earlier pick than expected?
Pick 37 might have been lower than expected. Also the Kangaroos didn't seem to be a team that needed him as much as others.
Did Simon Hogan turn draft camp domination into being selected on draft day?
The Cats drafted him and they got a local player who has attributes that Geelong need.
On the Carlton internet site the poll question was:
Who would you select with Carlton’s number 1 pick in the NAB Draft?
Bryce Gibbs: 79%
Matthew Leuenberger: 9%
Scott Gumbleton: 3%
Lachlan Hansen: 3%
Joel Selwood: 3%
Other: 2%
Mitchell Thorp: 1%
It is important to keep the supporters happy, and around 8 in 10 would have taken Gibbs if they were selecting the first pick.
Bryce Gibbs
When round 1 of the 2007 AFL season commences you can be sure that Gibbs will be out there. Probably gets 20 possessions, and might play against a young midfield star from the Tigers like Delidio or Raines.
Lachlan Hansen
The Kangaroos probably start him as the third tall defender. They play Collingwood in their first game, so maybe Rusling is his opponent, but he could even get a chance to play on big Rocca too.
Mitchell Thorp
The Hawks say he is ready, but now they have to pick a spot for the versatile player. One plan they have is for Thorp to be a key position forward, playing alongside Franklin and Dowler. Thorp will start his career in Brisbane, and might find himself playing against another versatile and athletic tall, Jared Brennan.
Joel Selwood
He would have been playing in round last season if he was allowed to, the Cats will want him in the senior team for round 1 2007. Selwood is ready to play, and he will have a tough first game against the Bulldogs and their deep and talented midfield.
Jack Riewoldt
The Tigers say Riewoldt is ready and he should be included in their round 1 team. Riewoldt wouldn't have a big role in the round 1 game against Carlton, maybe he is a forward who is matched up on Bower or Riewoldt might play down back and Kennedy could be his opponent there.
Tom Hislop
Gumbleton and Jetta may also be there in round 1, but Hislop isn't just a player who is physically ready as the Bombers also have a spot for him to play in their midfield. With the addition of Michael, and the return of Lloyd, Gumbleton won't have to play right away and the Bombers may bring him and Jetta into the team after a few rounds. The Bombers play in Adelaide, so the Hislop comparisons to Ricciuto could start again, although it is much more likely that Hislop is played on someone like Thompson or Van Berlo.
Tom Hawkins
He is Geelong's best forward and if he isn't starting in the goalsquare for the opening round then someone at Geelong has a problem. The contest with Brian Harris in round 1 would have been worth watching, but thanks to m.borg we are reminded that Harris will join Brodie Holland and miss some time at the start of the season. Who the Bulldogs find to play on Hawkins and Ottens will be something Eade will have to work at.
Aaron Edwards
The Kangaroos wanted Edwards to help them kick goals and as he is an older player the Kangaroos should play him right away. Clement and Prestigiacomo might be played on Thompson and Hale, so Edwards might be matched up by Wakelin or one of the Magpies' younger defenders.
Plenty more players are a chance to start, or restart, their careers in round 1, these include:
Scott Gumbleton, Travis Boak, David Armitage, Nathan Brown, Leroy Jetta, Albert Proud, Alwyn Davey, Josh Kennedy, Daniel Connors, Jarryd Allen, Nick Gill and David Rodan.
Essendon: Grade A plus
The Bombers are the winners of the draft because they ended up with three top 10-worthy players. Gumbleton is the big, versatile player that Sheedy likes. It was either Gumbleton, Hansen or Leuenberger at this pick and Essendon couldn't lose. Jetta may even have been a player that Essendon briefly considered at pick 2, so to get him at 18 is huge. They wouldn't have thought they could get both Jetta and Hislop but they did. Hislop at 20 is just as big a steal as Jetta was. Combine Hislop with Watson and Stanton and the Bombers have a young midfield with some size and ability. Essendon also have the veteran play of the Johnsons and with good ruck depth they will have a dominant midfield. Davey is another reason to give the Bombers a high mark, when the Bombers were winning in the past they always had a contribution from one or two small forwards, Davey is ready to step in and score goals.
2 Scott Gumbleton, 197cm 93kg (Peel)
18 Leroy Jetta, 177 76 (South Fremantle)
20 Tom Hislop, 184 86 (Tassie Mariners)
36 Alwyn Davey, 176 78 (South Adelaide)
42 Bachar Houli, 181 89 (Western)
47 Kyle Reimers, 184 78 (Peel)
68 PASS
Adelaide: Grade A
When a team says they need key position prospects it isn't always easy finding them. But Sellar dropped nicely to them and then Tippett was another unexpected bonus. Twelve months ago Sellar was in the running to go at pick 1, so the Crows got a steal. McKay is midfield help in a few years while Campbell can help next season. Gill is a bargain, and with Hentschel to miss the season Gill will fill his role around centre half forward.
14 James Sellar, 195 90 (Glenelg)
32 Kurt Tippett, 201 96 (Southport)
48 David MacKay, 181 69 (Oakleigh)
64 Nick Gill, 192 90 (North Adelaide)
78 Bryce Campbell, 180 80 (Norwood)
Hawthorn: Grade A
The Hawks drafted 5 players who should all play next season. There is also a lot of versatility among the players. Thorp can do anything, Renouf is a ruckman and tall defender, Morton can play at either end, Kennedy could be a big midfielder or played on a flank at either end, while Moss could be played in the centre or a forward pocket.
6 Mitchell Thorp, 194 86 (Tassie Mariners)
24 Brent Renouf, 200 93 (Southport)
33 Jarryd Morton, 191 81 (Claremont)
40 Josh P. Kennedy, 186 88 (Sandringham Dragons)
56 Garry Moss, 180 70 (East Perth)
72 PASS
Geelong: Grade A
Hawkins was worth a top 3 pick, as was Selwood, so Geelong had a successful day. Djerrkura might be a bit of a reach, but if Geelong really wanted him they had to use pick 25 as 41 was already used on Hawkins. Not that Djerrkura won’t help them next season, and he should get in a few games for them next season.
7 Joel Selwood, 182 80 (Bendigo)
25 Nathan Djerrkura, 176 77 (Wanderers)
41 Tom Hawkins, 197 95 (Sandringham Dragons)
57 Simon Hogan, 181 68 (Geelong Falcons)
Brisbane: Grade A
Leuenberger could be the best player from this draft, if you go ahead 5 years and people are looking back on the 2006 draft it could Leuenberger who should have gone number 1. Proud wasn't expected to be available at 22 so the Lions got a steal with their second rounder. Pick 34 was acquired for Akermanis and they used that pick on a player who can also kick goals and do many skilful things on the ground, but Schmidt won't be doing handstands.
4 Matthew Leuenberger, 203 93 (East Perth)
22 Albert Proud, 180 83 (Mt Gravatt)
34 Chris Schmidt, 188 81 (West Adelaide)
38 James Hawksley, 186 73 (Peel)
54 Matt Tyler, 194 82 (North Ballarat)
70 Sam Sheldon, 183 79 (Oakleigh)
West Coast: Grade A
An amazing draft for a team that just won the premiership. The Eagles may have been deciding between M Brown and MacKenzie at pick 16, and in the end they got both of them. They may have missed out on Morton but they couldn't draft him over Brown and MacKenzie.
16 Mitchell Brown, 193 90 (North Ballarat)
29 Eric MacKenzie, 196 91 (Claremont)
43 Tim Houlihan, 189 74 (North Ballarat)
50 Will Schofield, 195 82 (Geelong Falcons)
80 James Thomson, 194 81 (Claremont)
Carlton: Grade B plus
They get Gibbs so it was a draft that improved their list a lot. The Blues decided that Hampson was the best ruckman out of Queensland, so this pick will be measured by how well Hampson develops compared to Renouf and Tippett. Grigg is underrated and he should be a valuable player for them. If Austin makes Gibbs happier at Carlton then the pick is worth it, but they did take the tall defender when ruck prospects Goldstein and Currie were still available. Benjamin and Anderson are a similar size, but play differently, and they could be competing for a spot in the backline. Benjamin is the player more likely to become a regular player for them. Carlton missed Sheldon, but will have a chance at Williams and Johnston in the rookie draft.
1 Bryce Gibbs, 187 78 (Glenelg)
17 Sean Hampson, 201 93 (Mt Gravatt)
19 Shaun Grigg, 190 79 (North Ballarat)
35 Mark Austin, 193 88 (Glenelg)
51 Clint Benjamin, 189 81 (Claremont)
67 Joe Anderson 188 81 (Darwin)
81 PASS
Collingwood: B plus
There is nothing wrong with drafting big and Collingwood went key position with their first three picks. Five years from now one of the best, and most athletic, tall defensive combinations could be Reid and Brown. Brown as the full back and Reid as an attacking centre half back. They might be getting Bryan, or Keating, in the preseason draft but they still could have added a ruckman with one of their picks here.
8 Ben Reid, 196 82 (Murray)
10 Nathan Brown, 194 87 (North Ballarat)
28 Chris Dawes, 194 96 (Sandringham Dragons)
44 Brad Dick, 182 69 (East Fremantle)
63 Tyson Goldsack, 191 82 (Gippsland)
75 PASS
Kangaroos: Grade B plus
Probably happy they didn't have to make the Hansen versus Gumbleton decision, and in the end they got the player they would have wanted. Hansen should play every game next season and improve the Kangaroos in the backline. Urquhart before Proud and Petterd was a risky pick. Goldstein could be a great pick, they didn't need a ruckman but they couldn't pass on his potential. Thomas adds some much needed speed and Edwards should add some much needed goal kicking.
3 Lachlan Hansen, 197 90 (Gippsland)
21 Gavin Urquhart, 181 80 (Morningside)
37 Todd Goldstein, 201 106 (Oakleigh)
53 Lindsay Thomas, 180 76 (Port Adelaide)
69 Ben Warren, 186 78 (Zillmere Eagles)
82 Aaron Edwards, 184 88 (Frankston)
Richmond: Grade B
Riewoldt was a very good pick and something to watch next season is where he plays. Maybe he is a tall defender if Gaspar misses some games, but it would be a lot more fun to watch if he joined Richardson in the forward line. Edwards is the classic Wallace pick, he is small and he can run. Connors is a midfielder who plays a bit taller than he is so Richmond have some size there with Tuck, Delidio and also Johnson. They lost Stafford so a ruckman might have been a good pick later in the draft, but maybe they will address that in the preseason draft.
13 Jack Riewoldt, 192 86 (Tassie Mariners)
26 Shane Edwards, 180 69 (North Adelaide)
58 Daniel Connors, 183 79 (Bendigo)
60 Carl Peterson, 183 70 (Claremont)
73 Andrew Collins, 184 71 (Bendigo)
84 PASS
Fremantle: Grade B
The Dockers have said that they ranked their picks in the top 30 players for the draft, so even drafting with lower picks they got quality. Not only were the picks local players but would have also been the best available at each pick. The Dockers have a lot of depth in the midfield but it wouldn't be a surprise if Collard and O'Brien managed a few games for the Dockers next season.
31 Clayton Collard, 182 86 (South Fremantle)
52 Brock O'Brien, 181 75 (Peel)
77 Calib Mourish, 190 85 (Towns)
Sydney: Grade B
Daniel O'Keefe can kick goals and also get a lot of possessions, so he sounds a bit like Ryan O'Keefe. Currie and White are two different ruck prospects and the Swans made the right decision to draft help in that area.
15 Daniel O'Keefe, 184 74 (Geelong Falcons)
49 Daniel Currie, 200 91 (Northern Knights)
65 Peter Faulks, 192 74 (Calder)
79 Jesse White, 196 101 (Southport)
Port Adelaide: Grade C plus
If Boak doesn't become a star there will be a lot of questions about what Port was doing as they took him over Thorp, Selwood and Sellar. The Power should know more about Stewart than most teams, and they will have had their reasons for taking him over MacKenzie or Renouf. Gray and Krakouer will add even more variety to the Power forward line.
5 Travis Boak, 183 76 (Geelong Falcons)
23 Paul Stewart, 190 82 (Woodville-West Torrens)
39 Nathan Krakouer, 182 61 (Claremont)
55 Robert Gray, 182 82 (Oakleigh)
71 Justin Westhoff, 199 83 (Central Districts)
83 Ryan Williams, 188 89 (Geelong Falcons)
86 David Rodan, 171 83 (Richmond)
88 PASS
St Kilda: Grade C plus
Their best player from this draft could be Jarryd Allen, so he was a real bargain at pick 59. Armitage is an interesting choice, and they picked him over Hislop, Proud and Jetta. Armitage should be very good, but for the Saints they will need him to be better than those midfielders that they chose Armitage over. Not sure why they would bring back Ferguson, they need a bigger player than him and there were several available to draft even late in the draft.
9 David Armitage, 184 80 (Morningside)
27 Brad Howard, 181 72 (Redlands)
59 Jarryd Allen, 193 88 (Calder)
74 Matthew Ferguson, 187 87 (St Kilda)
85 PASS
87 PASS
89 PASS
Western Bulldogs: Grade C plus
Everitt could be anything, from a full back to a wingman, but for the Bulldogs this was a draft to help them a few years from now. The Bulldogs were a team that were expected to draft a young ruckman but that didn't happen. All the picks here could have the project label put on them, so it will be a couple of years for a real result from this draft.
11 Andrejs Everitt, 193 77 (Dandenong)
45 Brennan Stack, 184 76 (Perth)
61 Josh Hill, 186 72 (Claremont)
66 Malcom Lynch, 178 65 (NSW/ACT Rams)
76 Paul O'Shea, 192 82 (Redlands)
Melbourne: Grade C
They passed on Sellar, but Frawley should be worth the first round pick but that will take a few years. Petterd is a good pick in the second round, but a small defender wasn't a big need. Maybe the Demons could have added another ruckman, and Tippett and Goldstein were still there when they picked Petterd. Garland is another project key position player. This draft won't help next season, or the one after that, but in a few more years if the players do develop into stars the draft grade will be higher.
12 James Frawley, 193 81 (North Ballarat)
30 Ricky Petterd, 185 77 (Broadbeach)
46 Colin Garland, 191 85 (Tassie Mariners)
62 Isack Weetra, 182 78 (Port Adelaide Magpies)
You have to love it when a plan comes together, and Richmond's trade week just got better. The Tigers have been telling everyone that they would have drafted Riewoldt at pick 8 and there is definitely truth to that statement.
That means they really acquired Polak and pick 60 for the cost of pick 42. Polak was the 4th overall pick in the 2001 draft, so Richmond did very well with that trade.
Maybe if Selwood had slipped to 8 the Tigers might have not looked too good, but Geelong went with Selwood at pick 7 and that left Collingwood with a lot of players to consider at number 8. They went with Reid but would have also considered Riewoldt at pick 8.
Riewoldt at pick 13 by itself would be something to celebrate, but as they also got big Graham Polak in the deal as well it means Richmond just got a lot bigger and a lot better.
The results are in and now people can pick who won the draft. There are a lot of contenders as many teams grabbed more than one star player.
The AFL Draft Grades will be posted soon, but you can leave a comment to say who you think had the most success in the 2006 AFL National Draft.
Adelaide Crows:
James Sellar. Tall Forward/Ruckman
Kurt Tippett. Tall Forward/Ruckman
David Mackay. Midfielder
Nick Gill. Tall Forward
Bryce Campbell. Midfielder
They did need to add a tall forward, so it was a successful draft. Gill helps now, while Sellar and Tippett may also be able to play next year. Those two also have experience in the ruck. Sellar at Adelaide's pick was a big surprise and the Crows will be crowing because he was a potential number 1 pick for a lot of the 2006 season.
Brisbane Lions:
Matthew Leuenberger. Ruckman/Tall Forward
Albert Proud. Midfielder
Chris Schmidt. Medium Forward
James Hawksley. Medium Defender
Matt Tyler. Tall Forward
Sam Sheldon. Midfielder
Lethal said that Leuenberger was the best player so they picked him, makes sense. Charman and Wood are a good ruck duo, so Leuenberger may be started in the forward line for the Lions. The Lions also have to be happy that they could get Proud as well, he was thought to be a much higher pick.
Carlton Blues:
Bryce Gibbs. Midfielder
Shaun Hampson. Ruckman
Shaun Grigg. Midfielder/Medium Forward
Mark Austin. Tall Defender
Clint Benjamin. Midfielder
Joe Anderson. Medium Defender
Benjamin could be a steal of the draft, and they need a player like him running from half back. Hampson should get plenty of games next season, even if he isn't ready, and he will be developed a lot quicker if they do throw him into the action. Gibbs at number 1 was expected, but Grigg was a player that wasn't getting a lot of draft hype. Both players should be a big part of the Carlton midfield for years to come.
Collingwood Magpies:
Ben Reid. Tall Forward
Nathan Brown. Tall Defender/Forward
Chris Dawes. Tall Forward
Brad Dick. Small Forward
Tyson Goldsack. Medium Forward
Collingwood went in with one aim, height. Reid and Dawes are selections for the future. Brown might play as a forward next season, but eventually he will be a replacement for Wakelin, Clement or Prestigiacomo in the backline.
Essendon Bombers:
Scott Gumbleton. Tall Forward/Defender
Leroy Jetta. Midfielder/Small forward
Tom Hislop. Midfielder
Alwyn Davey. Small Forward
Bachar Houli. Midfielder
Kyle Reimers. Small Forward.
They went with Gumbleton so now they have to figure out where he plays, maybe in the backline to start. Jetta and Hislop could have both been top 10 so the Bombers may have won the draft with those two picks. They also compliment each other perfectly, with the bigger Hislop getting the ball and the quick Jetta running with it. Davey up forward is another player they need, their forward line has a lot of height so Davey as a crumbing player is a perfect fit.
Fremantle Dockers:
Clayton Collard. Midfielder
Brock O'Brien. Midfielder
Caleb Mourish. Medium Defender
Looking at the players they took it seems that they had picks a lot higher than they did. They add two more stars to the midfield so it was a successful draft.
Geelong Cats:
Joel Selwood. Midfielder
Nathan Djerkurra. Small Defender
Tom Hawkins. Tall Forward
Simon Hogan. Midfielder
Selwood was too good not to pick, he might be Geelong's best midfielder now. Djerkurra gives them something they need in the backline. Hawkins is obviously a great pick, and they are very lucky to get him. Hogan is another player with a connection to the Geelong area, and he also has the pace element that Geelong want.
Hawthorn Hawks:
Mitch Thorp. Tall Defender
Brent Renouf. Ruckman/Tall Defender
Jarryd Morton. Medium Forward
Josh Kennedy. Medium Forward/Midfielder
Garry Moss. Midfielder
They have ruck depth that teams need when contending. Campbell, Bailey and Renouf should all be regular players. There could be room for all of them as Campbell can also go forward and Renouf can also play back. If Renouf does take a big spot in the back then Thorp might become a big midfielder. Thorp should be happy that Hawthorn drafted him, and he gets to play in Tasmania every year now. Morton and Moss are two stars from WA who will be able to help Hawthorn too. Kennedy as a father/son pick is another steal.
Kangaroos:
Lachlan Hansen. Tall Defender
Gavin Urquhart. Small Defender
Todd Goldstein. Ruckman
Lindsay Thomas. Midfielder
Ben Warren. Medium Forward
Aaron Edwards. Medium Forward
Getting Edwards at the end of the draft is a big coup. He should play plenty of games at full forward. Hansen should combine with Petrie and the Kangaroos could dominate in the air around half back. Goldstein is a good investment, and a team can never have enough ruckmen. Thomas and Urquhart also fill a need.
Melbourne Demons:
James Frawley. Tall Defender
Ricky Petterd. Midfielder
Colin Garland. Tall Forward
Isack Weetra. Medium Defender
Not many of these players will play next season for Melbourne, they are more players for the future there. Frawley could be their full back in a couple of seasons, while Garland is a big forward and Melbourne will need that type of player when Neitz retires in a few years. Petterd might be a chance to play next season. He might be a good back pocket player for them.
Port Adelaide Power:
Travis Boak. Midfielder
Paul Stewart. Tall Forward
Nathan Krakouer. Small Forward
Robert Gray. Small Forward
Justin Westhoff. Tall Forward
Ryan Williams. Midfielder
David Rodan. Small Forward
The Power's forward line will have even more excitement with a bunch of skilled small forwards beeing added. Gray can play like Ebert, while Krakouer could be another Pearce. Rodan was the last pick of the draft but he should play a bit next season. Boak was early, so the pressure is on now, but he should be another star small in their midfield.
Richmond Tigers:
Jack Riewoldt. Tall Forward/Defender
Shane Edwards. Midfielder
Daniel Connors. Midfielder
Carl Peterson. Medium Forward
Andrew Collins. Midfielder
Riewoldt is a good pick, he can play in the backline immediately but for the future he could be a player to replace Richardson up forward. The Tigers also get more midfield depth, and some quicker players there to compliment some of the bigger midfielders they have.
St Kilda Saints:
David Armitage. Midfielder
Brad Howard. Midfielder
Jarryd Allen. Tall Forward
Matthew Ferguson. Tall Defender
Their new coach is adding midfield talent, following Sydney's strategy of building a team. Jarryd Allen is a huge steal, and he might start next season at centre half back for the Saints.
Sydney Swans:
Daniel O'Keefe. Midfielder
Daniel Currie. Ruckman
Peter Faulks. Tall Defender
Jesse White. Ruckman/Tall Defender
They delisted a lot of ruck types so they had a good draft bringing in some more depth there. O'Keefe will be a useful addition to their midfield.
West Coast Eagles:
Mitch Brown. Tall Forward
Eric Mackenzie. Tall Defender
Tim Houlihan. Medium Defender
Will Schofield. Tall Defender
James Thomson. Tall Forward
No need to worry about sending away Gardiner and McDougall as they just reloaded with Brown and MacKenzie. The Eagles are deep so those two may not play a lot next season, but it was another great draft by the Eagles.
Western Bulldogs:
Andrejs Everitt. Tall Defender
Brennan Stack. Midfielder
Josh Hill. Medium Forward
Malcom Lynch. Midfielder
Paul O'Shea. Tall Forward
Akermanis will help them next season, but none of their draftees will. Everitt was a pick for the future, and they might develop him into a centre half back role. Stack, Hill and Lynch are all players like Johnson and Robbins who can play forward or in the middle, but they are all a year or two away.
There will be other reviews, with a report with draft grades and each team will also have a comprehensive review, but above is a quick look at the 2006 AFL draft. The positions included above are what they might play in the AFL.
Adelaide:
James Sellar
Kurt Tippett
David Mackay
Nick Gill
Bryce Campbell
Brisbane:
Matthew Leuenberger
Albert Proud
Chris Schmidt
James Hawksley
Matt Tyler
Sam Sheldon
Carlton:
Bryce Gibbs
Shaun Hampson
Shaun Grigg
Mark Austin
Clint Benjamin
Joe Anderson
Collingwood:
Ben Reid
Nathan Brown
Chris Dawes
Brad Dick
Tyson Goldsack
Essendon:
Scott Gumbleton
Leroy Jetta
Tom Hislop
Alwyn Davey
Bachar Houli
Kyle Reimers
Fremantle:
Clayton Collard
Brock O'Brien
Caleb Mourish
Geelong:
Joel Selwood
Nathan Djerkurra
Tom Hawkins
Simon Hogan
Hawthorn:
Mitch Thorp
Brent Renouf
Jarryd Morton
Josh Kennedy
Garry Moss
Kangaroos:
Lachlan Hansen
Gavin Urquhart
Todd Goldstein
Lindsay Thomas
Ben Warren
Aaron Edwards
Melbourne:
James Frawley
Ricky Petterd
Colin Garland
Isack Weetra
Port Adelaide:
Travis Boak
Paul Stewart
Nathan Krakouer
Robert Gray
Justin Westhoff
Ryan Williams
David Rodan
Richmond:
Jack Riewoldt
Shane Edwards
Daniel Connors
Carl Peterson
Andrew Collins
St Kilda:
David Armitage
Brad Howard
Jarryd Allen
Matthew Ferguson
Sydney:
Daniel O'Keefe
Daniel Currie
Peter Faulks
Jesse White
West Coast:
Mitch Brown
Eric Mackenzie
Tim Houlihan
Will Schofield
James Thompson
Western Bulldogs:
Andrejs Everitt
Brennan Stack
Josh Hill
Malcom Lynch
Paul O'Shea
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane: Matthew Leuenberger
5. Port Adelaide: Travis Boak
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Joel Selwood
8. Collingwood: Ben Reid
9. St Kilda: David Armitage
10. Collingwood: Nathan Brown
11. Western Bulldogs: Andrejs Everitt
12. Melbourne: James Frawley
13. Richmond: Jack Riewoldt
14. Adelaide: James Sellar
15. Sydney: Daniel O’Keefe
16. West Coast: Mitchell Brown
17. Carlton: Shaun Hampson
18. Essendon: Leroy Jetta
19. Carlton: Shaun Grigg
20. Essendon: Tom Hislop
21. Kangaroos: Gavin Urquhart
22. Brisbane: Albert Proud
23. Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart
24. Hawthorn: Brent Renouf
25. Geelong: Nathan Djerrkura
26. Richmond: Shane Edwards
27. St Kilda: Brad Howard
28. Collingwood: Chris Dawes
29. West Coast: Eric MacKenzie
30. Melbourne: Ricky Petterd
31. Fremantle: Clayton Collard
32. Adelaide: Kurt Tippett
33. Hawthorn: Jarryd Morton
34. Brisbane: Chris Schmidt
35. Carlton: Mark Austin
36. Essendon: Alwyn Davey
37. Kangaroos: Todd Goldstein
38. Brisbane: James Hawksley
39. Port Adelaide: Nathan Krakouer
40. Hawthorn: Josh Kennedy
41. Geelong: Tom Hawkins
42. Essendon: Bachar Houli
43. West Coast: Tim Houlihan
44. Collingwood: Brad Dick
45. Western Bulldogs: Brennan Stack
46. Melbourne: Colin Garland
47. Essendon: Kyle Reimers
48. Adelaide: David Mackay
49. Sydney: Daniel Currie
50. West Coast: Will Schofield
51. Carlton: Clinton Benjamin
52. Fremantle: Brock O’Brien
53. Kangaroos: Lindsay Thomas
54. Brisbane: Matt Tyler
55. Port Adelaide: Robert Gray
56. Hawthorn: Garry Moss
57. Geelong: Simon Hogan
58. Richmond: Daniel Connors
59. St Kilda: Jarryd Allen
60. Richmond: Carl Peterson
61. Western Bulldogs: Joshua Hill
62. Melbourne: Isacc Weetra
63. Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack
64. Adelaide: Nick Gill
65. Sydney: Peter Faulks
66. Western Bulldogs: Malcolm Lynch
67. Carlton: Joe Anderson
68. Essendon: PASS
69. Kangaroos: Ben Warren
70. Brisbane: Sam Sheldon
71. Port Adelaide: Justin Westhoff
72. Hawthorn: PASS
73. Richmond: Andrew Collins
74. St Kilda: Matthew Ferguson
75. Collingwood: PASS
76. Western Bulldogs: Paul O’Shea
77. Fremantle: Caleb Mourish
78. Adelaide: Bryce Campbell
79. Sydney: Jesse White
80. West Coast: James Thompson
81. Carlton: PASS
82. Kangaroos: Aaron Edwards
83. Port Adelaide: Ryan Williams
84. Richmond: PASS
85. St Kilda: PASS
86. Port Adelaide: David Rodan
87. St Kilda: PASS
88. Port Adelaide: PASS
89. St Kilda: PASS
67. Carlton: Joe Anderson
68. Essendon: PASS
69. Kangaroos: Ben Warren
70. Brisbane: Sam Sheldon
71. Port Adelaide: Justin Westhoff
72. Hawthorn: PASS
73. Richmond: Andrew Collins
74. St Kilda: Matthew Ferguson
75. Collingwood: PASS
76. Western Bulldogs: Paul O’Shea
77. Fremantle: Caleb Mourish
78. Adelaide: Bryce Campbell
79. Sydney: Jesse White
80. West Coast: James Thompson
81. Carlton: PASS
82. Kangaroos: Aaron Edwards
83. Port Adelaide: Ryan Williams
84. Richmond: PASS
85. St Kilda: PASS
86. Port Adelaide: David Rodan
87. St Kilda: PASS
88. Port Adelaide: PASS
89. St Kilda: PASS
Sheldon to Brisbane, possible payback from the Lions for Calrton taking Murphy the year before. Edwards was training with the Kangaroos and he lasted to the end for them, he will replace some of Rocca's goal production. Rodan to the Power was unexpected, but they are a team that has success with small forward so it is a good fit.
51. Carlton: Clinton Benjamin
52. Fremantle: Brock O’Brien
53. Kangaroos: Lindsay Thomas
54. Brisbane: Matt Tyler
55. Port Adelaide: Robert Gray
56. Hawthorn: Garry Moss
57. Geelong: Simon Hogan
58. Richmond: Daniel Connors
59. St Kilda: Jarryd Allen
60. Richmond: Carl Peterson
61. Western Bulldogs: Joshua Hill
62. Melbourne: Isacc Weetra
63. Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack
64. Adelaide: Nick Gill
65. Sydney: Peter Faulks
66. Western Bulldogs: Malcolm Lynch
Some speed in this part of the draft with Hogan, Benjamin and Thomas. Allen is a steal here. Gill fills the Hentschel role around half forward next season.
35. Carlton: Mark Austin
36. Essendon: Alwyn Davey
37. Kangaroos: Todd Goldstein
38. Brisbane: James Hawksley
39. Port Adelaide: Nathan Krakouer
40. Hawthorn: Josh Kennedy
41. Geelong: Tom Hawkins
42. Essendon: Bachar Houli
43. West Coast: Tim Houlihan
44. Collingwood: Brad Dick
45. Western Bulldogs: Brennan Stack
46. Melbourne: Colin Garland
47. Essendon: Kyle Reimers
48. Adelaide: David Mackay
49. Sydney: Daniel Currie
50. West Coast: Will Schofield
Goldstein to the Kangaroos is big, so they now have some of the best young ruckmen in the AFL, with Hale, Moran and McIntosh there too. Sydney also get a ruckman, Currie is a good pick.
19. Carlton: Shaun Grigg
20. Essendon: Tom Hislop
21. Kangaroos: Gavin Urquhart
22. Brisbane: Albert Proud
23. Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart
24. Hawthorn: Brent Renouf
25. Geelong: Nathan Djerrkura
26. Richmond: Shane Edwards
27. St Kilda: Brad Howard
28. Collingwood: Chris Dawes
29. West Coast: Eric MacKenzie
30. Melbourne: Ricky Petterd
31. Fremantle: Clayton Collard
32. Adelaide: Kurt Tippett
33. Hawthorn: Jarryd Morton
34. Brisbane: Chris Schmidt
Adelaide keep going big, Tippett is a big pick. Hawthorn also add a big at each end in this round.
Howard is a 183cm midfielder from Redland Bombers in Queensland, a bit of an unknown.
17. Carlton: Shaun Hampson
18. Essendon: Leroy Jetta
Hislop, Proud, Renouf are sliding. Carlton do get a ruckman. Hampson is the "upside" pick, a few years away.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane: Matthew Leuenberger
5. Port Adelaide: Travis Boak
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Joel Selwood
8. Collingwood: Ben Reid
9. St Kilda: David Armitage
10. Collingwood: Nathan Brown
11. Western Bulldogs: Andrejs Everitt
12. Melbourne: James Frawley
13. Richmond: Jack Riewoldt
14. Adelaide: James Sellar
15. Sydney: Daniel O’Keefe
16. West Coast: Mitchell Brown
Huge picks with Reid and Everitt, both project players. Only Leuenberger as a ruckmen in the 1st round.
Both Browns go early.
Leuenberger at 4, very interesting pick, might play forward there.
Adelaide have a great draft with Sellar filling all their main needs. Another ruckman, a big forward, a local.
Updated news of all the draft picks will be posted here. If you would like to comment on the picks, or ask a question, you can leave a comment below which will be answered.
Bookmark this page and come back during the draft for all the news. Updates will be posted at the top of the page.
It's probably Gibbs at number 1, and they have just over 30 minutes until they make it official.
A fun question to consider, if Tom Hawkins was available to all teams in the draft would he go number 1?
Carlton would have the decision of Gibbs, Leuenberger or Hawkins. Leuenberger fills the biggest need, but right now it seems Gibbs is their BPA. But if the father/son rule was not applied and Hawkins was available, would they take him instead of Gibbs?
While adding Gibbs is an easy and safe decision, and he can play in several roles around the midfield, for Hawkins he really should be a full forward at that is not Carlton's biggest need. At Carlton that would mean they would have Fevola and Hawkins playing together deep in the forward line. Maybe this would work, or maybe there would not be enough room for the two of them.
Carlton do have some young onballers, like Murphy and Blackwell, they also have a couple of young key position players that will be played up forward, Waite and Kennedy. You can never have enough midfielders, but there isn't enough room for too many key forwards.
Carlton don't have to worry about this decision, but to not select Hawkins would have been a difficult choice to make.
If you have an opinion you can leave a comment below, if Hawkins was available at pick 1 would you take him over Gibbs and Leuenberger?
Essendon were possibly going with Hansen or Gumbleton, both would have seen time at centre half back next season. While Gumbleton has been played more as a big forward, with Essendon there isn’t room up that end with Lloyd, Hird, Ryder and Johns.
But now Essendon add in Mal Michael, and he will join Fletcher and Bradley in the backline. So instead of the Bombers having a need for a player like Gumbleton in the draft it could become the best player who is available, which really would be Leuenberger.
Bryan won’t impact the top of the draft, but Carlton and possibly Collingwood will have to adjust some of their picks. Carlton would want two ruckmen in the draft, with one taken possibly at their priority pick and another in round 4 or 5. They may also look at drafting a young ruckman who has already been on an AFL list.
While Bryan won’t solve all of Collingwood’s ruck problems, if they do indeed agree to take him in the preseason draft, it might mean they change their draft strategy. The Magpies might not need a ruckman who is ready to help next season, so they can instead pick a player who might take longer to develop but would also have much higher potential. Bryan can also play forward, so that means Tippett wouldn't be needed in the draft as much as a player like Renouf who can ruck and also play as a defender.
In the final mock draft on this site Leuenberger was the pick for Essendon, and with the events of today the Bombers are in a more likely position to actually draft the big ruckman. The answer will be just after 10:00 Saturday morning.
AFL Insider Crossword Puzzle
Something different to try, AFL crosswords. Just click on the picture and it should appear in its full size. Save it and then print it. You might want to select the "fit to page" option when printing. It might print better if you use the Windows Picture Viewer, instead of just printing from your browser.
Not too difficult, but if you want to see the answers then down the bottom of this post is another picture that lists the answers.
If you find this to be a fun part of the AFL offseason then feel free to leave a comment, and if enough people request a certain AFL topic for a crossword then there will be new ones produced.
The topic for this crossword puzzle is AFL Grand Finals of the 1990s. If you would like a crossword for a specific team or a specific season or anything else AFL-related then post a comment with your idea for a future AFL crossword.
Click for answers:
The Bombers are going to make news this weekend, not with their second pick in the AFL National Draft but with the number two selection for the preseason draft.
Mal Michael has not retired, and he will join Dustin Fletcher in the backline for the Bombers next season.
The preseason draft is probaby going to have Ackland at number 1 to Carlton with Michael to Essendon the next pick. The Kangaroos have said they will have some money to spend in the preseason draft so they have the first "live" pick with the two teams ahead of them already having agreed to take a player.
So now Essendon will have to figure out who is the full back, Fletcher or Michael. It probably should be Michael as he is a bit uncomfortable when played up the ground. But the Bombers can also go with who is better suited to the opposition full forward, using Fletcher on the taller players while Michael might be a better option on the stronger full forwards who want to battle close to goal.
Michael will ease the pressure on Bradley, who now is the third tall defender, and McPhee will also benefit as Sheedy can move him around the field as he won’t have to play in the back all the time.
It was just the cost of a preseason pick so the Bombers did well to add a premiership-winning defender, and now Essendon have the experienced spine that could take them into the finals if they all stay healthy. It isn’t just Michael that is added to their 2007 side, they also get a healthy Lloyd to play in the other goalsquare too.
Chris Judd
Often the dominance in fantasy sports isn't what also happens on the playing field, but with Judd he makes his team win in both. He will be the most expensive player to purchase next season in AFL fantasy leagues but he will also be owned by a large number of fantasy managers.
Adam Goodes
He does everything on the field and this translates into big numbers for fantasy AFL.
Jonathan Brown
When he returns next season to the AFL he will also return as the best key position player for fantasy numbers.
Barry Hall
The Swans will have a similar forward setup next season so Hall, and Ryan O'Keefe, will continue to accumulate fantasy stats. Everitt won’t take away from Hall’s stats, as Everitt will play in the middle a lot. But even with Everitt up forward it could help Hall’s numbers, Hall will be free to run up the ground more on leads and his stats could go up a bit with that.
Simon Goodwin
He will once again be up the top of the AFL for kicks and total possessions.
Matthew Pavlich
Would be even better for fantasy stats if he was played in the middle, but even if played up forward all the time he gets plenty of numbers.
Cameron Bruce
The Demons play better when he is in the action so for his fantasy owners they will be hoping he isn't played deep in the backline, which did happen a bit last season.
Luke Hodge
Should be playing in the middle all the time next season so his fantasy stats will go even higher.
Scott West
Maybe has one more year of huge stats, he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
Joel Bowden
You would think Richmond might tone down their possession game a bit next season, but even if they do the Bowden brothers will still get their fantasy stats.
There will be plenty of AFL fantasy previews over the next few months. Team previews will list who left and who arrived, and how this will change the statistics of the players. Plenty of draft strategies will be posted, with lists of players to avoid as well as players that are ready to have a breakout year. When AFL fantasy games start there will be updates for fantasy news and you can post your teams and ask questions here about AFL fantasy.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Matthew Leuenberger
3. Kangaroos: Scott Gumbleton
4. Brisbane: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Lachlan Hansen
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Tom Hislop
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Albert Proud
13. Richmond: Brock O’Brien
14. Adelaide: Nathan Brown
15. Sydney: David Armitage
16. West Coast: Eric MacKenzie
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
20. Essendon: Ben Reid
21. Kangaroos: Travis Boak
22. Brisbane: Ricky Petterd
23. Port Adelaide: Chris Schmidt
24. Hawthorn: Nathan Batsanis
25. Geelong: Shaun Grigg
26. Richmond: Mitchell Brown
27. St Kilda: Garry Moss
28. Collingwood: Shane Edwards
29. West Coast: Jarryd Morton
30. Melbourne: Jarryd Allen
31. Fremantle: Clinton Benjamin
32. Adelaide: Tom Hurley
33. Hawthorn: James Frawley
34. Brisbane: Nathan Djerrkura
35. Carlton: Andrejs Everitt
36. Essendon: Nathan Krakouer
37. Kangaroos: Alwyn Davey
38. Brisbane: Shaun Hampson
39. Port Adelaide: Todd Goldstein
40. Hawthorn: Joshua Kennedy
41. Geelong: Tom Hawkins
42. Essendon: Daniel Dzufer
43. West Coast: Shawn Colbung
44. Collingwood: Colin Garland
45. Western Bulldogs: Robert Eddy
46. Melbourne: Daniel O’Keefe
47. Essendon: Craig Bird
48. Adelaide: Aaron Edwards
49. Sydney: Sam Jacobs
50. West Coast: Zac Millar
51. Carlton: Robert Gray
52. Fremantle: Jesse White
53. Kangaroos: Jackson Sheringham
54. Brisbane: Gavin Urquhart
55. Port Adelaide: Nick Gill
56. Hawthorn: Matthew Vasilevski
57. Geelong: Simon Hogan
58. Richmond: Ben Ross
59. St Kilda: Sam Sheldon
60. Richmond: Tom Collier
61. Western Bulldogs: Hayden Skipworth
62. Melbourne: Chris Dawes
63. Collingwood: Lachlan George
64. Adelaide: Todd Pfeiffer
65. Sydney: Evan Duryea
66. Western Bulldogs: Grant Weeks
67. Carlton: Tristan Cartledge
68. Essendon: Danny Chartres
69. Kangaroos: Justin Westhoff
70. Brisbane: Andrew Ainger
71. Port Adelaide: Chris Smith
72. Hawthorn: Brad Dick
73. Richmond: Joel Perry
74. St Kilda: Daniel Currie
75. Collingwood: Fortunato Caruso
76. Western Bulldogs: Leigh Adams
77. Fremantle: Matthew Virgo
78. Adelaide: Jarryn Geary
79. Sydney: Jake Williams
80. West Coast: Dean Dick
81. Carlton: Dean Kelly
82. Kangaroos: Josh Thurgood
83. Port Adelaide: Haydyn Kiel
84. Richmond: David Mackay
85. St Kilda: Ben Hart
86. Port Adelaide: Lindsay Thomas
87. St Kilda: Peter Faulks
88. Port Adelaide: Joe Anderson
89. St Kilda: Dane Ugle
The Draft Picks - By Team
Adelaide:
Nathan Brown
Tom Hurley
Aaron Edwards
Todd Pfeiffer
Jarryn Geary
Adelaide: They want a key position player and Nathan Brown would be a good pick, probably plays as a forward for the Crows. Edwards is a player who can play full forward for the Crows next season too. The Crows also pick up some local midfield players.
Brisbane:
Joel Selwood
Ricky Petterd
Nathan Djerrkura
Shaun Hampson
Gavin Urquhart
Andrew Ainger
Brisbane: With Selwood available he is a good pick. A couple more onballers help that area. Hampson is another local and is a good pick for the future. Ainger is a key position player who would be available late. The Lions do have young key position players like Clark, Brennan and Merrett so they won't have to take many key position players in this draft, although if Gumbleton is there at pick 4 they can't go past him.
Carlton:
Bryce Gibbs
Kurt Tippett
Daniel Connors
Andrejs Everitt
Robert Gray
Tristan Cartledge
Dean Kelly
Carlton: It looks like it is Gibbs at pick 1. Tippett gives them a young ruck prospect. Connors and Gray are more smalls who should help them. Everitt is a project player who could be an exciting player in a few years. Carlton have some uncertainty with Bryan, but even if Bryan stays the Blues need more ruckmen and Cartledge with a late pick might be something they try.
Collingwood:
Tom Hislop
Brent Renouf
Shane Edwards
Colin Garland
Lachlan George
Fortunato Caruso
Collingwood: They get a big midfielder and a versatile ruck prospect with their first two picks and that would be a good result for the draft. Edwards and George also add to their midfield. Renouf can also play back, and to play forward they might have a look at Garland.
Essendon:
Matthew Leuenberger
Clayton Collard
Ben Reid
Nathan Krakouer
Daniel Dzufer
Craig Bird
Danny Chartres
Essendon: A bit of a draft for the future, as Leuenberger and Reid are both great prospects who need time to develop. The Bombers also get plenty of help in the midfield too.
Fremantle:
Clinton Benjamin
Jesse White
Matthew Virgo
Fremantle: Picking later due to the trade for Tarrant, the Dockers could still get a couple of locals who can help as well as a big ruckman/forward in White.
Geelong:
Leroy Jetta
Shaun Grigg
Tom Hawkins
Simon Hogan
Geelong: The Cats are the team that has been hard to pick for. Jetta would help change their team for the better, and Grigg could be a taller midfield option. Hawkins is there with the father/son rule.
Hawthorn:
Mitchell Thorp
Nathan Batsanis
James Frawley
Joshua Kennedy
Matthew Vasilevski
Brad Dick
Hawthorn: The Hawks might be looking at Selwood instead of Thorp with their first pick but it is a win whoever they get. Frawley gives them an athletic player to develop while Batsanis and Vasilevski would add some pace to the midfield. Kennnedy is the father/son pick for the Hawks.
Kangaroos:
Scott Gumbleton
Travis Boak
Alwyn Davey
Jackson Sheringham
Justin Westhoff
Josh Thurgood
Kangaroos: If Leuenberger does go top 2 then the Kangaroos have the choice of the two star key position players. Gumbleton might help more, although Hansen does have the advantage of being Victorian. The Kangaroos also add some small players who can get kicks and goals. Westhoff is another tall project player while Thurgood still has plenty to offer.
Melbourne:
Albert Proud
Jarryd Allen
Daniel O’Keefe
Chris Dawes
Melbourne: They were quiet in trade week and won't have a big impact in the draft with only 4 picks. Proud and O'Keefe would help their midfield while Allen is a big player who is ready to help at either end. Dawes is a player for 2008.
Port Adelaide:
Lachlan Hansen
Chris Schmidt
Todd Goldstein
Nick Gill
Chris Smith
Haydyn Kiel
Lindsay Thomas
Joe Anderson
Port Adelaide: If Leuenberger goes early then the Power's draft strategy will change. Hansen is too good to get past them. They don't need a ruckman to play right away, so Goldstein might be someone they are interested in, and they did have success when they brought Brogan into the AFL. Schmidt is someone who can play next season and would be a local player they want to draft.
Richmond:
Brock O’Brien
Mitchell Brown
Ben Ross
Tom Collier
Joel Perry
David Mackay
Richmond: Maybe they go tall first and then small, but it also works the other way around with this mock as Mitchell Brown is a good player for the second round pick. O'Brien would add a lot to what is already a very good onball unit there. Collier as a future replacement for Gaspar might be a good pick.
St Kilda:
Jack Riewoldt
Garry Moss
Sam Sheldon
Daniel Currie
Ben Hart
Peter Faulks
Dane Ugle
St Kilda: They get Riewoldt who gives them another tall to play either end, and then add a couple of midfielders who should be able to implement Coach Lyon's gameplan. The Saints also get a young ruckman in Currie for the future, and might also benefit from Hart who would bring a veteran attitude to their backline and is also able to help cover for Maguire if he is not recovered when the season starts.
Sydney:
David Armitage
Sam Jacobs
Evan Duryea
Jake Williams
Sydney: The Swans would add three different types of midfielders as well as a tall ruck prospect with these picks. Maybe could have used a pick on a key position player but the Swans have added Everitt who can play forward and they also have Vogels too, while their backline is also very settled. They also have a couple of young key position players on their list to play next season too. Armitage should be able to play most of the games for the Swans next season and might help replace some of the things that Paul Williams did.
West Coast:
Eric MacKenzie
Jarryd Morton
Shawn Colbung
Zac Millar
Dean Dick
West Coast: Maybe they won't need high draft picks to have a successful draft as most positions are covered by these picks. They might look at a ruckman in the draft though.
Western Bulldogs:
James Sellar
Robert Eddy
Hayden Skipworth
Grant Weeks
Leigh Adams
Western Bulldogs: Sellar adds a great tall prospect in the first round, while they traded their second round pick and that helped bring in Akermanis and McDougall. A good return in any draft. Their later picks are three midfield types, Skipworth will be useful next season while Eddy and Adams are also chances to play next season as the Bulldogs aim for the premiership.
The final mock draft for 2006. A lot of the picks after 70 will be the always exciting "pass", but for this mock players were listed for picks at the end. Big change in the mock is Essendon, and on draft day their choice might show where their future is going. If Sheedy is staying past 2007 then Leuenberger is the pick, if there is some uncertainty about Sheedy's position then one of the key position prospects might be the pick instead of the big ruckman. Leuenberger at pick 2 would cause a reshuffle of the expected top 10.
There are always some familiar names in the draft but in 2006 the number of players getting another chance at AFL is going to be low. Keating, Roach, Kellaway and the Clokes didn't have a spot in this mock but they are chances on Saturday. Skipworth should find a new team, the Kangaroos had some interest, but maybe the Bulldogs add him to further increase their quality midfield. Carlton need more ruckmen, and since they won't be going for older players they might use one of their late picks on a player like Tristan Cartledge. Joel Perry's name came up in trade week but he has another chance in this draft to find a new team. Josh Thurgood could also get another chance at AFL level and he is young enough for teams to be interested. Aaron Edwards and Nick Gill didn't do a lot with their first go at AFL but they could be a bargain in this draft after going to the state leagues and improving their games.
All will be known on Saturday, and there should be plenty of surprises in what is being called by many as a "super draft", but when compared to the 2001 draft there is a lot more key position depth in the 2006 one so tomorrow's draft could be the best ever.
Feel free to copy this mock or post it elsewhere on the internet for AFL fans.
If you would like to cut and paste the names listed, to rearrange it for your own mock draft, and post it here in the comments section before the actual draft then please go ahead. Or just post your mock first round, it will be interesting to see what ideas people have and they might be closer to the real draft than the experts.
66. Western Bulldogs:
Shaun Hampson. 201cm, 93kg. Ruckman (Mt Gravatt)
The Bulldogs have Street and Minson but could use some more depth in the ruck area. Hampson is a few years away and for the Bulldogs he would not have to be rushed. Hampson does have good potential so in a few years he could join the Bulldogs young midfielders like Cooney, Cross and Ray and form a very good centre-square unit.
Fortunato Caruso: They went with Simon Atkins in the middle there for a few seasons, Caruso is a smaller player but the game might be the same. Lots of possessions, both handballs and kicks.
Jarrod Harbrow: The Bulldogs like the small, quick midfielders and Harbrow might be a player they think about drafting.
The final, and updated, aflinsider.net mock draft will be posted soon, including all picks as well as a team-by-team listing. During the draft there will be continuous live coverage of every pick of the draft. Then after the draft there will be various reviews, including one draft review that will look at what some of the draft table talk might have been and what decisions the teams had to make at their picks.
65. Sydney:
Jake Williams. 178cm, 71kg. Midfielder (Calder Cannons)
The Swans were top of the league in hitouts and their success has been built on winning the ball at stoppages. Sydney also have a good connection to Williams so there is more than one reason why he would be a good fit there.
Dean Kelly: A player who could help the Swans next season, and they have to like the last name too. Might be a forward pocket for the Swans if they take him. The Swans will be contending in September next season so if they draft someone who can help right away it might be a good move.
Sam Sheldon: Just like Williams, another onballer that Carlton could have had but is now available to all in the draft. Sheldon should become a strong inside midfielder and would suit the game that Sydney play.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
20. Essendon: Clinton Benjamin
21. Kangaroos: David Armitage
22. Brisbane Lions: Ricky Petterd
23. Port Adelaide: Chris Schmidt
24. Hawthorn: Nathan Batsanis
25. Geelong: Mitchell Brown
26. Richmond: Shaun Grigg
27. St Kilda: Tom Hurley
28. Collingwood: Jarryd Allen
29. West Coast: Jarryd Morton
30. Melbourne: Ben Reid
31. Fremantle: Nathan Krakouer
32. Adelaide: Aaron Edwards
33. Hawthorn: Robert Eddy
34. Brisbane Lions: Andrejs Everitt
35. Carlton: Travis Boak
36. Essendon: Danny Chartres
37. Kangaroos: Bachar Houli
38. Brisbane Lions: Gavin Urquhart
39. Port Adelaide: Zac Millar
40. Hawthorn: Joshua Kennedy
41. Geelong: Tom Hawkins
42. Essendon: Nathan Djerrkura
43. West Coast: Shawn Colbung
44. Collingwood: Robert Gray
45. Western Bulldogs: Daniel Dzufer
46. Melbourne: Alwyn Davey
47. Essendon: Todd Goldstein
48. Adelaide: Shane Edwards
49. Sydney: Sam Jacobs
50. West Coast: Tom Collier
51. Carlton: Grant Weeks
52. Fremantle: Craig Bird
53. Kangaroos: Simon Hogan
54. Brisbane Lions: Jesse White
55. Port Adelaide: Nick Gill
56. Hawthorn: James Frawley
57. Geelong: Daniel O’Keefe
58. Richmond: Jackson Sheringham
59. St Kilda: Colin Garland
60. Richmond: Ben Ross
61. Western Bulldogs: Justin Westhoff
62. Melbourne: Chris Dawes
63. Collingwood: Matthew Vasilevski
64. Adelaide: Brad Dick
64. Adelaide:
Brad Dick. 184cm, 78kg. Small Forward (East Fremantle)
A fast and elusive forward who might add something new to the Crows' forward line. While one draft focus for the Crows will be a tall goalkicker, they will also have the opportunity to add a young small forward as well, and while they may not be able to play the way that Hentschel did they might be able to replace a lot of his goals.
Shaun Hampson: A big ruck prospect, so the Crows would have some interest. Won't help next season but the Crows are not looking for veteran ruckmen in this draft, maybe in the preseason draft though.
Todd Pfeiffer: The Crows have quality options from every state still available at this stage but they might be happier taking a local player.
63. Collingwood:
Matthew Vasilevski. 181cm, 80kg. Midfielder (Northern Knights)
A bit of speed for the Magpies midfield. The Magpies are going to need some midfielders in the next few years to replace their veterans and Vasilevski would be a good pick for them.
Lachlan George: Another midfielder to consider for the Magpies. If they have not drafted a small forward with an earlier pick then George could also fill that role for them.
Leigh Adams: Small inside midfielder, might be able to play next season and Collingwood might need some of their picks to play next season if injuries hit their older players, or even on the occasions when players are rested there. The Magpies already have Didak with an injury and Holland will miss the start of the season with suspension so there will be an opportunity for some of their draft picks to get a game next season.
62. Melbourne:
Chris Dawes. 193cm, 101kg. Tall Forward (Sandringham Dragons)
Dawes needs to go to a team that doesn't need help next season and a team that doesn't have injured players already on their list. Melbourne are happy with their list for next season and consider themselves a top 4 chance, but if Melbourne think about the future a replacement for Neitz is something that will be hard to find. Dawes has a lot of the attributes already that Neitz has so if Melbourne think they can wait for Dawes to return to action it could be a good pick for them.
Chris Smith: A bit more help next season for the forward line. The Demons know how to get offense from small forwards, like Robertson and Davey, and Smith could be a useful player in Melbourne's forward line.
Matthew Virgo: A small forward prospect from Western Australia. Virgo is ready to play next season and could get a few games in 2007 as a forward pocket if he does get drafted.
61. Western Bulldogs:
Justin Westhoff. 197cm, 84kg. Tall Forward (Central Districts)
Has the height and for the Bulldogs that is something important. A bit skinny but the Bulldogs don't need him for this season, as they traded for McDougall and Darcy should be ready to play. Has the potential for centre half forward and if the Bulldogs draft him he could be a good investment for them.
Evan Duryea: Talented small player and the Bulldogs are always drafting players with skills. They could draft Duryea and after a couple of years he could replace Akermanis, in his position not in everything else.
Andrew Ainger: Tall forward prospect who presents on the lead and can create a contest if he doesn't grab the ball himself. Hasn't become the player that some expected him to but there is plenty of time for him to improve. The Bulldogs will have already grabbed one or two tall players in the draft but they could also use another one.
60. Richmond:
Ben Ross. 176cm, 75kg. Small Forward (Gippsland Power)
Richmond have another pick in this part of the draft and there are plenty of intriguing players to consider. Ross might be someone to play in the forward pocket for the Tigers. Ross should have similar numbers to Andrew Krakouer for Richmond, so maybe a goal or two per game.
Fortunato Caruso (Calder Cannons)
A high-possession player for a team that was using the ball a lot last season. There is always a player or two in every draft like Caruso, they star in the minor leagues but teams don't think they can replicate that in the AFL. Caruso just knows where the ball is going and he gets there first, his 2 to 1 ratio of free kicks for to free kicks against shows that he is hard to stop.
Chris Dawes (Sandringham Dragons)
There is still a lot to pick from and tall, medium or short the Tigers can take their pick. It is always a good idea to take a player that was previously rated much higher, and if Dawes had not injured his knee he would be picked a lot earlier than here. While Dawes is a pick for the future, maybe with pick 60 the Tigers go for the player for now in Kent Kingsley.
59. St Kilda:
Colin Garland. 193cm, 84kg. Tall Forward (North Hobart)
The Saints will not be playing home games in Tasmania next season but they might draft a couple of players from there. Garland is a bit of an unknown but he did play for Tasmania in the Under 18 Championships and kicked a few goals. The Saints will need a tall forward to step up into the senior team in a couple of years and Garland would be a good choice as a future replacement for Gehrig and Hamill.
Shaun Hampson: The Saints have plenty of options if they want to add another ruckman. With the addition of Gardiner, and the possibility of Koschitzke playing as a ruckman, it means that the Saints are covered in the ruck as they also kept Brooks and Rix. There are other veterans like Clark Keating available to draft, but if they want a future ruckman then Hampson should suit them. The Saints haven't really developed their own ruckman in recent years and this is something the new coach will look to change.
Matthew Vasilevski: A fast midfield option, so with Powell retired and the Saints not being too fast in the middle Vasilevski would be a good option at this part of the draft.
2006 AFL PHANTOM DRAFT
Click the above link to have a look at what the AFL says is likely to occur on draft day.
The top paragraph on that page might preclude doing a big analysis of their mock draft, but there are a few things to look closer at. Another mock draft with Boak early to Geelong, maybe if everyone is saying it there is truth to it. Collingwood at 10 getting a ruckman isn't surprising, but here they take a different Queensland tall than is expected. The draft also gets interesting around picks 33 to 35. The Eagles also get value for their pick 50 in this mock draft.
58. Richmond:
Jackson Sheringham. 177cm, 73kg. Midfielder (Geelong Falcons)
Richmond fans will have plenty of incentive to keep following the draft to its end, 4 of their picks are late ones, including this pick as well as pick 60. Sheringham is a good small midfielder who could be effective on the spacious wings of the MCG. The Richmond midfield has some size with Delidio, Johnson and Tuck so a smaller player like Sheringham would complement what Richmond already have in the middle.
Ben Ross: Small player who can play up forward. The Tigers used to be a more competitive team when they had players like Naish and Daffy in the forward area to assist Richardson, Ross might be someone to fill that role. Rodan is out so the Tigers will want to add another small forward or two.
Lachlan George: The Tigers might go tall early, but then plenty of smalls will be taken later. George is a midfield player who might be used on a half forward flank as well as closer to the middle.
57. Geelong:
Daniel O’Keefe. 183cm, 74kg. Midfielder (Geelong Falcons)
The Cats might pick a couple of local players in this draft, and they will all be midfielders. O'Keefe gets plenty of the ball and would be a good player to assist the Cats midfield, he is a good link from the inside midfielders to the forward line. Not really something that is needed at Geelong, but O'Keefe could go forward. Chapman, the Abletts and some youngsters like Stokes will be playing up forward next season, along with Hawkins and Ottens, so there won't be a big role for O'Keefe in the forward area if Geelong do take him. But he should get a run in the midfield next season if they do select him, and might surprise with as many AFL Geelong games as VFL ones in 2007.
Jackson Sheringham: An improvement on his brother, but would Geelong really draft Jackson after delisting Tim, probably not. Jackson is a bit shorter than his brother, but has more speed and some more variety in his game. Jackson might start as a back pocket and sometimes have a run in the middle.
Jake Williams: Not really the type of player the Cats need to add for their midfield, but it would be history repeating if this Williams is also overlooked by Carlton and gets his start in football with Geelong. At this point of the draft Geelong have already had a successful day, so they can take a player here that has potential for greatness even though they are not rated very high in the draft prospects. The Cats do have a group of big ruckmen, but they don’t dominate in the middle like they should, Williams might be able to help get the ball from the hitouts. Geelong know what can happen when a player called Williams is thought of by some as slow and short, given a chance Williams could do many of the things that his father did.
56. Hawthorn:
James Frawley. 192cm, 81kg. Tall Defender (North Ballarat Rebels)
Hawthorn have already had 4 picks, with one of them going on Kennedy, so they will have filled a lot of their needs. The Hawks' first rounder might help their full back spot but with Frawley they would also have another option. The Hawks won't expect immediate results with the player taken here so Frawley would have the time to develop, and he won't be rushed into the team like Dawson was.
Matthew Vasilevski: If Hawthorn is looking at midfielders with this pick then they will have many to pick from. They have enough inside players so a smaller, quicker player might be the type they look for. Vasilevski can receive the ball from a teammate, go for a bit of a run and then accurately send it forward.
Colin Garland: If Hawthorn have drafted a small in the first round, instead of the expected tall, then Garland might be a player they take earlier in round 2 or 3. The Western Bulldogs' Scott Clayton said that Garland would go around the second round of the draft, so maybe Garland is long gone when this pick comes up. Garland would be a player who could play full forward for Box Hill for a year or two, and then might be a big option for the Hawks in the forward area. With the Hawks 'Tasmanian connection this would be the best fit for Garland.
1. Live, and complete, television coverage. Channels 10 and 7 pay millions for the rights to the games, but don't want to show the stars of the future as they are introduced to the AFL. It might have been a Friday morning in 1993 when the draft was first broadcast, and it was an exciting show, there is no reason why they can't go back to doing the draft live from the first to the last pick. Except for Seinfeld, Channel 10 is not exactly putting quality shows to air on Saturday, so why show only a highlight package when a live show would be a lot more exciting. Channel 7 will have some Disney cartoons when the draft is on, the mouse, and his friend the duck, may not be as important as introducing the future of football to its fans.
2. Allow trading of picks during the draft. Here is an example, the Bombers have found this versatile player in country Western Australia and they think nobody knows about him. They are getting ready to use their third round pick on him but a couple of picks ahead the Eagles sneak in and take the player Essendon wanted. Meanwhile a player has slid in the draft and is available when Essendon pick, but they don't want him, but other teams do. Let another team trade picks so they can get the player they want, and Essendon move down a few spots but also get a better selection in a later round. Essendon's 3rd and 6th round picks for the other team's 4th and 5th. Could be a good option for teams picking early too, if the player that a team wants desperately at pick 10 is not available, they should be able to trade that pick for a couple of later picks. Eventually if this worked then players could also be traded on draft day, but that is a long way into the future of the AFL.
3. Remove the teams. Have 16 rooms where the scouts, coaches and anyone else can concentrate, discuss, argue and decide on their picks, the idea of everyone sitting around second-hand school tables while they whisper their draft strategy is not good.
4. Increase the profile of the draftees with television. Channel 7 were probably showing repeats of Rafferty's Rules and Blue Heelers when the Under 18 Championships were being played. One live game every day would not hurt, and maybe a replay of a game late at night too. In the lead up to the draft, these games or games from the TAC Cup could be shown late at night.
5. Open the draft to the fans. If you want an event, you need atmosphere, which really does mean a crowd. Hundreds of them, thousands if they have the venue for it, it would add something. People would watch just to see the reaction from Collingwood fans who are happy, or possibly unhappy, with the player their team selected.
6. Invite the top 20 prospects to the draft and present them with a club jumper when their name is called. Before the draft, all 16 teams send in a list of their top 20 prospects, whoever has the most votes gets invited.
7. Have someone from the AFL, probably Demetriou even though he struggles pronouncing some names, read out the draft selections. That would be better than some old guy saying "player 8675309: Rodney Palmateer, Terang Football Club".
8. Inform the fans with a prospects list of 300 players. The AFL help scout for the teams, but they could also inform the fans while at the same time advertising their future stars by publishing a list of a lot more prospects than they currently do. A simple addition to their internet site, with players and their measurements, possible positions, statistics and a short scouting report. The list could be sorted in a variety of ways as selected by the viewer, by position, by age or by height.
9. Rotate the draft around the country. The AFL wants increased promotion of their game and here is a simple solution for taking the AFL to every state that has a team.
10. Have the AFL trading period before, and after, the draft. Just say that Carlton want a ruckman, but they miss with the players they wanted in the draft. Another team has a surplus of ruckmen and is willing to trade one for a player Carlton don't want to keep, it would be a win-win situation.
11. Increase the number of picks. Back in the day a club would bring in hundreds of players from their zone during the year, and would also go interstate looking for players. Then in the early drafts each team would have a lot more picks than they do now. Now they draft 3 or 4 players. If there is a bigger net then teams will have more players to build their team with, and there won't be as many cases of prospects not getting the chance they deserve. The AFL simply has to increase the size of the lists for teams.
12. Change the guaranteed contracts for the draft picks. The players taken in the first round could get their two-year deals. The players in the second and third rounds could get a contract for one year, with a club option for the second year. Maybe the option would have to be picked up by the club before round 12 of the player’s first season. The players taken after round three in the draft would get the chance to make the team. They would have to prove themselves in December and January to get their contract for the year guaranteed, and the club would also have the option year for the following season. Maybe the first two or three rounds should get the two-year deals, with players in the fourth and fifth round getting only one with a club option for the second year. Either way, this situation could allow teams to draft more players, as they wouldn't have to guarantee too much money for players that are taken with the later picks. This way teams could still end up with their 3 to 5 new players from the draft, but could still have 10 picks, and could sort through the later players drafted and after a couple of months keep the best of them.
13. Eliminate the PASS. There were teams that said "pass" for their draft selection, and someone like Dean Cox was still available at that pick. Teams should have more players drafted, not less, so a player should be taken with every pick. The ideas in suggestion 12 would help this situation.
14. If they have to be there, keep the priority picks after the first round, instead of at the top of the draft. Teams struggle down the ladder because of who they have previously drafted, not because of how many picks they used.
15. Keep the father/son rule. Also, keep it simple. Only have AFL games determine if a player's son can join a team. The father/son rule keeps tradition alive at clubs, is always a big part of the stories published about the draft and is something that fans always enjoy.
16. If the season was ever extended so every team played everyone else twice, then introduce a draft lottery for the bottom four teams. While their is usually not a lot of incentive to lose games at the end of the year, there will be some drafts when that is a viable option for teams. But weight the chances for the top pick in favour of the very worst team. 16th team could have 4 chances, 15th with 3 chances, 14th with 2 chances and the 13th team in the AFL would have 1 chance out of 10 in the lottery. They could have a big bag of team-coloured footballs, and a different person could reach in every year to select the draft order. Either that or Channel 7 could use their Tattslotto machine.
55. Port Adelaide:
Nick Gill. 193cm, 91kg. Tall Forward (North Adelaide)
It is going to be a busy day for the Power as they can use 8 picks if they want to. Not all of them have to be used on the youngsters in the draft, and Gill is definitely a player they will consider if they take an older player. Gill has been on the lists of a couple of AFL clubs and is now a star in the SANFL. Tredrea staying closer to goal, with Gill playing 50m out should work well for them. Add in Ebert, Mahoney, White and a Burgoyne or two and the Power have a powerful forward line.
James Frawley: A player who the Power could draft and develop into their future full back. Needs to get stronger but has enough height and athleticism to play in a key defensive spot soon.
Chris Smith: A smaller option than Gill for the Power forward line. Mahoney isn't as old as you would think, as it seems like he was at Collingwood a long time ago, but if the Power want someone to replace Mahoney in the future then Smith could be a player they want.
54. Brisbane Lions:
Jesse White. 196cm, 101kg. Ruckman/Tall Forward (Southport)
Adds a different type of ruckman, as they currently have Charman there as well as the taller, but slightly light in his build, Cameron Wood as his backup. White gives them another option for a big-body ruckman. But White could help in other spots too, and playing White and Brown in the forward line would give them a couple of big targets. Not just the height there, but teams would need to have two defenders to play on 100kg forwards.
Shaun Hampson: They don't need a ruckman but at this point of the draft it won't hurt to take a big, and local, prospect like Hampson. White is more ready than Hampson, and also has the ability to play more positions, but if the Lions decide that they want to draft a player who is more of a chance at being the team's starting ruckman in 3 or 4 years then Hampson would be the pick.
Evan Duryea: A small forward prospect who played for NSW at the Under 18 games. Duryea could also be played as a midfielder, and is capable of going for a run from the centre and setting up one of his forwards with a good pass. Duryea has been playing in the Queensland league so the Lions will know all about him.
Sam Sheldon looked like a big chance to be the Blues’ father/son pick in 12 months but he might be able to get there a year earlier after nominating for the upcoming AFL National Draft. But if Carlton don’t want him then the Saints have to be a chance. The Saints have a lot of late draft picks to use and Sheldon probably is taken with one of them. Sam Sheldon has shown good tackling ability, so when he gets into AFL training and bulks up he could be a useful defensive midfielder. His kicking needs a bit of improvement, but that can be said of many of the draft prospects.
According to The Age newspaper, Chris Bryan is another player that may not be at Carlton next season. He has not been a favourite of Coach Pagan’s, and Bryan hardly played this season. It was reported that Collingwood might have interest in Bryan, and he would be a good addition to their team. Rotating Fraser and Bryan through the ruck and a tall forward spot would work. Bryan is a big kick of the football, so if he gets to play with Rocca next season in the Collingwood forward area it would be a highlight for Magpies’ fans.
53. Kangaroos:
Simon Hogan. 181cm, 65kg. Midfielder (Geelong Falcons)
He runs fast so the Kangaroos better draft him. The Kangaroos could have him in the middle, as a player to receive the ball and send them forward, or a better spot might be a forward pocket. He was an accurate kick for goal last season in the TAC Cup. At the draft camp Hogan was in the top 5 in the tests for agility, repeat sprints (30m), 20m sprint, beep test and 3km run.
Colin Garland: Another prospect that is hard to figure out, may go late in the draft or a lot higher than this. The Kangaroos were talking about Hale playing exclusively as a centre half forward, but if Hale is needed in the ruck then Garland is a player to try at centre half forward.
Daniel O’Keefe: May go a round or two earlier, as he had a big year in the TAC Cup. Finds a lot of space and also a lot of the ball. Kangaroos certainly have a spot for him, as well as several other smalls from the Geelong TAC Cup team.
52. Fremantle:
Craig Bird. 177cm, 75kg. Midfielder (Nelson Bay)
Someone will have to replace Bell there in the future and Bird has some similar attributes. Obviously the size is very close to Bell's, but Bird also has a knack for getting the ball as well as the determination to get his opponent.
Chris Smith: There are games when the Dockers need that one extra goalkicker to stand up to help Pavlich and Farmer. Chris Smith is a small forward who could help. His 7 goals against NSW at the Under 18 Championships certainly put Smith on recruiters' lists.
Jacob Williams: A local player who might develop into a defender or even a mobile ruckman. A few years away from having a build for AFL, but the Dockers don't have an immediate need. Not to be confused with Jake Williams.
Round 4
51. Carlton:
Grant Weeks. 189cm, 89kg. Tall Forward (Bendigo Pioneers)
Could be useful in any number of spots up forward, but with Fevola there Weeks would be played around half forward. The fourth round is when the draft gets to a fun stage, teams have already addressed most of their needs and can start taking some of the lesser-known players, but this draft is deeper than others so players selected in this round could be playing in the AFL next season.
Shaun Hampson: Another ruck option and Carlton should get as many as they can. Is taller than the current options that Carlton have in the ruck. In the past Carlton have avoided drafting ruckmen, but this draft should be different. In this mock draft the Blues already have a young ruckman from Queensland, Kurt Tippett, but Hampson is a different type of player to Tippett so no reason why they would not draft both.
Jake Williams: Not quite worth the third round pick, but Carlton might consider him later in the draft. Assuming they get Gibbs, and then one or two other onballers, there is still a spot for Williams as he is a different type of midfielder to many others. Without a dominant ruckman the Blues will need someone to win the ball and Williams has shown he inherited a few skills.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
20. Essendon: Clinton Benjamin
21. Kangaroos: David Armitage
22. Brisbane Lions: Ricky Petterd
23. Port Adelaide: Chris Schmidt
24. Hawthorn: Nathan Batsanis
25. Geelong: Mitchell Brown
26. Richmond: Shaun Grigg
27. St Kilda: Tom Hurley
28. Collingwood: Jarryd Allen
29. West Coast: Jarryd Morton
30. Melbourne: Ben Reid
31. Fremantle: Nathan Krakouer
32. Adelaide: Aaron Edwards
33. Hawthorn: Robert Eddy
34. Brisbane Lions: Andrejs Everitt
35. Carlton: Travis Boak
36. Essendon: Danny Chartres
37. Kangaroos: Bachar Houli
38. Brisbane Lions: Gavin Urquhart
39. Port Adelaide: Zac Millar
40. Hawthorn: Joshua Kennedy
41. Geelong: Tom Hawkins
42. Essendon: Nathan Djerrkura
43. West Coast: Shawn Colbung
44. Collingwood: Robert Gray
45. Western Bulldogs: Daniel Dzufer
46. Melbourne: Alwyn Davey
47. Essendon: Todd Goldstein
48. Adelaide: Shane Edwards
49. Sydney: Sam Jacobs
50. West Coast: Tom Collier
Leuenberger or Gibbs, that is the big question now but plenty of AFL drafts have had a similar dilemma at the top. Going back through the AFL drafts there are equivalents for not just Carlton's choice but for many others.
In 1997 the choice was Ottens or Johnstone, very similar to the Leuenberger versus Gibbs decision this year. The little guy won in 1997, and probably does again. Melbourne do have one bonus though when compared to Carlton this year, the Demons traded for Jeff White that year, while Carlton have only added Ackland to their ruck stocks. Pick 3 in 1997 was Croad, so another equivalent there as this year Hansen might be a similar player picked in a similar spot. In 1998 it was again the small, Headland, who went at pick 1 while the highest-rated tall, Longmuir, went at number 2.
A team will have to decide how early they take a big player from Queensland who has not been playing football for very long. This draft Kurt Tippett is that player, and in 2004 it was Tom Williams. Williams went at number 6, but Tippett is unlikely to go in the top 10 this time.
Collingwood have two picks in the top 10, that will be a rare occurrence now with priority picks moved to after the first round. Some teams in the past have had two picks in a similar spot as Collingwood do this time, with picks 8 and 10. The Bombers were in this position twice in recent drafts. The 2002 draft had Essendon selecting at 10 and 11, taking Laycock and Winderlich. Essendon also had picks 9 and 12 in 1998, they drafted McVeigh and Ramanauskas. Brisbane had picks 5 and 10 in 1997, and went small with both of them, taking Power and O'Bree. It’s been a while since Collingwood had two picks to use so early in a draft. Collingwood went tall in 1992 when they had two early picks, Brett Chalmers and Damian Houlihan were drafted at 10 and 15. The Magpies had much better draft position in 1999, with picks 1 and 7. Fraser went first, their next pick was Danny Roach.
The Saints have to decide if they will go with a player's relative in this draft, and in the past they have. When the Saints drafted Raphael Clarke in 2003 they reunited him with Xavier Clarke, who had been drafted a couple years earlier. Now it is Jack Riewoldt, and he could be their pick at number 9.
The Eagles also have the chance of adding another Morton, the 2004 draft brought in Mitch Morton and the 2006 draft has Jarryd Morton in it.
While the father/son selections have already been made that isn't the end of the story. Hawthorn could have taken Shane Tuck with pick 51 during the 2003 AFL draft, but as they had earlier when designating father/son picks, they again passed. Richmond took Tuck at pick 73. This time it is Carlton who have to make a choice with one or two, or even three, of their late picks. Coincidentally it is pick number 51 in play again, the Blues could draft Jake Williams, Sam Sheldon or Tomi Johnston there. They also have picks 67 and 81 at the end of the draft too, so Carlton have plenty of chances to take one of the players if they want to.
Geelong also have a similar draft to a previous one. They get Hawkins at pick 41 with their father/son selection, and also have pick 7 to add another great player. In 2001 the difference was only one pick away, Gary Ablett Jr was the father/son pick at number 40 while the Cats also had pick 8. In 2001 Geelong took Bartel and in 2006 another midfielder in the first round is also the likely pick.
Troy Makepeace will also have a similar wait as he did in 1999. He entered the league after a Denis Pagan-coached team used pick 81 on him. This season, Denis Pagan's team has pick 81 as well, but Makepeace isn't expected to go there again.
Maybe the clubs make the same types of picks again, maybe they have learned something, but the draft will start off the same as last year's with Carlton going first and drafting an onballer again. If you have any other draft similarities you can post a comment, there will be more than what has been listed here.
50. West Coast:
Tom Collier. 192cm, 86kg. Tall Defender (Lauderdale)
West Coast have two smalls, and Morton who can play a bit tall, with their previous picks in this mock draft so another taller option might be the way to go here. Collier would be more depth behind the Eagles defenders like Hunter, Glass and others. Can be played in several positions so he should fit in well with the Eagles game-plan.
Jesse White: Someone who could step into the role of Seaby if needed, and is also a chance at a key spot for either end. The Eagles have Graham for defensive depth so White could be a ruckman/tall forward.
Nick Gill: If Hansen goes down the Eagles don't have a lot of depth to replace him. Gill would be a useful player to have on the list. The Eagles could bring in a tall forward who is ready for AFL and if Hansen or Lynch go down then a replacement is there if needed.
49. Sydney: Sam Jacobs. 199cm, 101kg. Ruckman (Woodville-West Torrens)
The Swans delisted several young ruck prospects and also had Chambers retire. Jacobs would be in a good spot with the Swans. If it takes him 2 or 3 years to develop, he would then be ready to replace Everitt, who would be retired by then, and Jacobs would also assist Jolly or Doyle who would both be approaching 30.
Craig Bird: Going big is more important, but if they already have picked a ruckman earlier than Bird here is something Sydney might decide to do. NSW's best player at the Under 18 games and the Swans would like to keep recruiting from their home state. A midfielder who gets plenty of the ball, and knows what to do with it too. A bit small but battles in the contests and if he doesn't come out with the ball he will be tackling his opponent who does have it. Sounds like a good fit for the Sydney system.
Shaun Hampson: Another ruck option, Hampson is from Queensland so not that far from Sydney, when compared to other ruckmen available in the draft. Some more weight, and time learning the game, and Hampson could be a steal of the 2006 draft. It is an interesting choice, Jacobs or Hampson. Jacobs is more refined in his skills, while Hampson hasn't been playing football as long as him but might have better potential. The "safe" choice versus the "player with upside" choice.
48. Adelaide:
Shane Edwards. 180cm, 70kg. Midfielder (North Adelaide)
Small player who looks like a useful outside midfielder. In this mock draft the Crows have added help at both ends, so someone in the middle is the pick for them. Will be able to replace Tyson Edwards as a midfielder/forward in the future. Should be a seamless transition as Coach Craig would still have an Edwards to play.
Craig Bird: Small player who looks like a useful inside midfielder. Could be a defensive onballer who shuts his opponent down, but can also get the ball himself.
Todd Pfeiffer: Gets a lot of the ball and Adelaide will need an influx of young midfielders in the next few seasons. Like Shane Edwards, Pfeiffer is another local player who could play in the middle, or closer to goals, for the Crows.
47. Essendon:
Todd Goldstein. 200cm, 102kg. Ruckman (Oakleigh Chargers)
A project player that Sheedy would be excited to get. Has only played football for a short time but has the size for the ruck, and may also have the skills. 8 games for Oakleigh this season, but it is a slam dunk that he will be drafted. One of the toughest players to predict for a mock draft, but for AFL recruiting departments if they get their assessment of Goldstein wrong it could mean their days are numbered. All teams will have to decide if Goldstein is worth a pick in the middle of the draft, or a much earlier one. Teams will be wondering how they can pass on a player with this potential in the draft, while some will wonder why there is so much hype for a player with so few games. Essendon have the extra picks in the draft so there is little risk if Goldstein doesn't progress in his game, but the future reward could be very big for them if he does.
Tom Collier: Another team that might like Collier for their backline. By this point of the draft the Bombers will have already taken 5 players so they can go with a player here that they can develop over time into what they want. For Essendon, Collier might be a defender or he might be made into a tall midfielder. He can run, and has played in the middle as a shortish ruckman before, so there is the possibility there. A 192cm shut-down midfielder might be something that Sheedy could find a use for, although you never know what role they might develop him for and if he grows an extra couple of centimetres he will be around the same height that John Barnes was. Collier would certainly be a different ruck option compared to the very big Hille and Laycock.
Ben Ross: Can kick a goal, but can also play further up the ground. Essendon do need a player for that role. In this mock draft the Bombers have picked players for most spots already, but a small forward is not one of them.
Going back to the very first AFL (VFL) drafts, how many drafts and how many actual picks did it take for the Saints to actually select a player who would player senior football?
In the 1986 draft St Kilda took Steven Sims with the second overall pick, he never played a senior game, but how many of the other Saints’ picks also didn’t make it until they finally drafted a player who would play a game for them?
46. Melbourne:
Alwyn Davey. 176cm, 78kg. Small Forward (South Adelaide)
The Demons would have made a popular pick if this happens on draft day, their fans will be excited to have Alwyn added to Aaron. Another benefit is that the Demons do think they can win everything next season, and Alwyn will be able to assist there more than a younger draft pick. If Melbourne really want him then they better use pick 30 on him instead of this one, as he could be drafted earlier than this pick.
Chris Dawes: Could be a great fit, the Demons need a big forward for the future, and he wouldn't have had a chance at a senior spot next season anyway as Melbourne have Neitz, Miller and Dunn. But in 2008 there could be a spot for Dawes. The Melbourne coach also knows about knee injuries, so he might be willing to wait a year for Dawes.
Tom Collier: A versatile defender, not that they have a big need for that, as they already have a few stocked away with their VFL team. But Collier has plenty of development left, in strength and in his skills, so he is more than just a defensive prospect.
Cry begs bib. (Bryce Gibbs)
Something to do with the Crows, who wanted him to join their team. It doesn't look like he will be going back to Adelaide in the future.
Threw beleaguerment. (Matthew Leuenberger)
No idea, maybe the recruiter who passes on big Leuenberger will be beleaguered and thrown out.
Club gotten most. (Scott Gumbleton)
Whichever club takes Gumbleton, they will have gotten the most out of their pick.
Can Hall an hens. (Lachlan Hansen)
He can play on Hall, not sure about the rest of the anagram.
Chop met thrill. (Mitchell Thorp)
Not sure what that means but it sounds good. Don't expect him to get the chop, and he should thrill the fans for years to come.
Do jewel solo. (Joel Selwood)
Maybe some exciting performances expected for Selwood next season. Or he will be leading a team as a captain in the near future.
A crowd jet ilk. (Jack Riewoldt)
Flying above the crowd like a jet, maybe that's true.
A small jeers. (James Sellar)
Doesn't sound like he will be a popular pick, but he will be a very good player.
Joy! A letter. (Leroy Jetta)
Fans who can't follow the draft live might read about it, and they would be happy to see their team drafted Jetta.
Bee front run. (Brent Renouf)
He was up the front of the draft camp's time trial run. The "bee" part, maybe he will play for Richmond or Hawthorn, with the yellow.
A bit of fun leading up to the draft, seeing what anagrams the draft prospects' names can form. Although AFL National Draft can be changed to say Fatal Flair And Not. Hopefully Andrew Demetriou is not aware that his name can form Now Dearer Tedium. That is all for this post from AFL Insider, whose anagram can say Dire Finals.
Who is picked second?
It is very hard to see Sheedy going past Leuenberger, but it looks to be a coin-flip between Gumbleton and Hansen. Maybe Gumbleton.
Will Troy Makepeace get another chance in this draft?
It has been very quiet for Makepeace, while delisted players like Kingsley, Hart and Roach are getting some publicity. Maybe that is good and a team that wants Makepeace is keeping quiet, or else maybe there is little interest.
Will the Brown brothers be on the same AFL team?
Unlikely, a team would need to use two picks on the two key position players somewhere between 10 and 30. Essendon and Carlton were possibilities before trade week, and they had the extra picks to do it, but the Bombers kept McPhee while Carlton hung onto Thornton and Fisher. Maybe Richmond at 13 and 26 is a chance, or West Coast at 16 and 29.
Who will be the draft day slider?
There will be a "Ray Hall" in the draft, and it could be Shaun Grigg or Daniel Connors. Connors especially was thought of as a first round pick but the AFL Prospects List didn't agree, this could influence a team to take others ahead of him.
Will Richmond get the player at pick 13 that they would have taken at number 8?
If someone early in the draft does something unexpected then one of the talked about Top 5 could slip to 8, but wouldn't be around at 13. But if it all goes to plan and Gibbs, Leuenberger, Hansen, Gumbleton and Selwood are all gone then the players taken from 8 to 13 will all be of a similar quality. The chances are actually quite good for the Tigers getting the player at 13 when they would have also taken them at pick 8.
Who will be the first Queensland player taken?
Plenty of little guys available in the draft, from Queensland and elsewhere, but there are not many big ruckman to choose from. Renouf is probably taken before the smaller players from Queensland in the draft, but Tippett could be the surprise choice before Renouf too.
Will the Eagles draft Jarryd Morton?
This looks like a 50/50 thing, they probably do go with him.
Who will be the second ruckman taken?
Leuenberger is the first, but then there is Renouf, Tippett and when he plays AFL Sellar could also be a ruckman. Maybe Renouf, as most teams will play Sellar as a forward.
Will Terry Wallace draft a tall player?
Logic says he has to, with Gaspar at one end and Richardson at the other and their combined age is over 60. He has gone small in so many drafts but this one could be a big change.
Which player will be considered the biggest reach?
There is always a player that goes from borderline selection to a top 20 spot in the draft. Sometimes they prove they were better than advertised, other times they prove they were not worth the early pick and are gone after a couple of years in the reserves. Bachar Houli and Travis Boak have been mentioned as possible first round picks and that might be a bit of a reach.
Will Carlton still draft one of their possible father/son prospects late in the draft?
Jake Williams and Tomi Johnston would give Carlton plenty of publicity, but of the good kind for a change. Maybe there is only one of them taken and Jake Williams might just be a player that Carlton needs more.
Who will be the first "recycled" player, as in a player just delisted, taken by a club?
It doesn't look like it will be one of the Clokes, maybe Skipworth could be the pick here.
Will Chris Dawes find a club that is able to wait for him to recover?
He is a big prospect who was getting plenty of marks and goals. He probably does get drafted.
Will a Selwood be based in yet another state next season?
This seems to be the thinking, unless Brisbane decide to take Joel with their first rounder.
Do Collingwood draft the same type of player at both 8 and 10?
Two onballers, or two key position players, are two options they will have. Getting Proud and O'Brien, or Riewoldt and Nathan Brown, are both real possibilities. But big with one pick and small with the other is what is expected.
Are more players drafted from the Northern Territory than are drafted out of New South Wales?
Always an interesting part of the draft to see which places provide more picks. A 1-1 draw is the likely result, but NT could beat NSW with one or two more players who are draft possibilities.
Does Riewoldt play with Riewoldt and will Krakouer play beside Krakouer next season?
The Saints are the more likely of the two to take the relative, maybe Jack does get to the Saints but Nathan to Richmond may not have a chance.
Is 100 VFL goals enough to get Aaron Edwards back on a list in the AFL?
Goals are disappearing and teams will want to change that, for just the price of a 3rd or 4th round pick there has to be some team that takes Edwards.
Will the size and potential of Todd Goldstein make him a much earlier pick than expected?
AFL talent scouts have had a lot more time to find faults with other players, so that will help Goldstein. But the real positive about Goldstein is his huge size, and plenty of teams need that. Could be big news on draft day, and one of the priority picks might even be used on him.
Can Simon Hogan turn draft camp domination into being selected on draft day?
He showed that he was quick, and also had endurance, with the camp tests. He should be taken in the draft.
Only five days to go and everything will be answered for the AFL draft.
45. Western Bulldogs:
Daniel Dzufer. 186cm, 81kg. Medium Defender (Caloundra)
They used an earlier pick in a trade to bring in a veteran player from Queensland, Jason Akermanis, and can now add a young player from up north too. Not ready to replace Rohan Smith for the Bulldogs, but in the future Dzufer could have a similar role running off half back.
Simon Hogan: A typical Bulldogs draft pick, small and quick. Was considered a chance to be drafted before the draft camp, but his high rank in several tests there probably assured him of being taken. The Bulldogs have had success with Robbins, who was also a former Geelong Falcon, and they would also find a spot where they could use Hogan's pace as well.
Matthew Vasilevski: Another midfield possibility for the Bulldogs. Fast runner and has solid disposal skills. The Bulldogs can go small with this pick as long as they get a tall in the first round.
44. Collingwood:
Robert Gray. 180cm, 79kg. Small Forward (Oakleigh Chargers)
If you look at the goals list for Collingwood from last season, the player in second spot is out injured, the player next in line has been traded and the next spot on the list is Collingwood's oldest player. A different player to Didak, Tarrant and Buckley but Gray would still help Collingwood put a score on the board. The Magpies do add Medhurst but there would be room for Gray as well in the forward line. Gray is a smaller player for a forward, but he does player a lot taller than his listed height.
Alwyn Davey: Another option to help Collingwood score some goals. A bit older than other possibilities but that also means he can help them in 2007. Davey can help cover the loss of Didak in the opening rounds of next season, and would also be able to keep his spot up forward when Didak returns and play with him. If Collingwood add Medhurst, and a player like Davey, next season their forward line will still have some players with the ability to kick a freaky goal even with Didak out. The Magpies could go with Davey if they want an older, crumbing forward while Gray is the younger option who might also have a bit more in the marking department.
Sam Jacobs: The Magpies probably get a ruckman earlier in the draft, but they do need more than one in this draft. While Collingwood have sometimes gone with the smaller ruckmen, Jacobs is an improvement on that measuring around the two metre mark. If Collingwood don’t take a couple of ruckmen in this draft it could mean they have already decided that they will grab a veteran ruckman in the preseason draft.
43. West Coast:
Shawn Colbung. 178cm, 75kg. Midfielder (East Perth)
Another addition to the midfield there. In a few years the Eagles will have a couple of smaller midfielders retire so stocking up with some players to fill their role in the future would be a good move. While the midfielder depth for the Eagles is very good now, they do need someone to fill a small forward role. A forward pocket could be the spot where Colbung starts his career if the Eagles do draft him.
Chris Dawes: West Coast picked up an extra pick here and can roll the dice on Dawes, in 2008 if Dawes can fully recover the Eagles might have another big forward to play. They don't have a real backup to Lynch, so Dawes would be a good option to have on their list. Dawes measures in at a similar weight and height to big Lynch too.
James Hawksley: A medium-sized player who is an option at either end of the ground. Possibly his future is in the backline, and could play on a number of types of forwards. Yet another option in this draft if the Eagles want to take prospects from their own state.
42. Essendon:
Nathan Djerrkura. 174cm, 75kg. Small Defender/Midfielder (Wanderers)
A back pocket player that the Bombers can develop into a future AFL midfielder. Djerrkura would be a nice addition for the Bombers in the defensive end, they need a small player who is hard at the ball and can also run the ball quickly out of the backline. Essendon always likes a quality small defender, like O'Donnell or Wanganeen in previous years, so Djerrkura would be a good pick for them.
Robert Gray: A smaller forward to play with the tall Bombers forward line. They must miss the impact that Bewick and Moorcroft had, as the Bombers are a tall, one-dimensional attack too often now. If Essendon think they do need a small up forward then they might consider Gray.
Todd Goldstein: A project player with most of the assets needed already in place to be a dominant player. Has the build to dominate and with the Bombers he could learn everything needed to star in the ruck. But was able to get around 20 hitouts per game during his small amount of matches at TAC Cup level so he is more than just potential. If the Bombers are guessing that Goldstein has more interest from other teams then they can take him at pick 36 or even earlier, or if they think he will last past this pick then pick 47 could be used on him.
41. Geelong:
Tom Hawkins. 197cm, 95kg. Tall Forward (Sandringham Dragons)
No decision needed here for the Cats, they get to walk into the draft with pick 7 but then walk out with also possibly the best player too, in addition to the star they take at 7. Without the father/son rule the Cats would not have had a chance at Hawkins, definitely gone by pick 7, and maybe the top overall pick. Is Geelong's best forward already, and should be there in the goalsquare for the Cats in round 1 next season. 50 goals next season is a conservative estimate. Hawkins is a player you build a forward line around. It has taken a long time, but Geelong have finally found a full forward, although they didn't have to really do anything to get him. Would be in the top 5 contenders for the Rising Star Award for next season. Hawkins is big and strong right now, and in a couple of years with some added development he could be not just the biggest, but also the best key forward in the AFL.
40. Hawthorn:
Joshua Kennedy. 186cm, 88kg. Medium Forward (Sandringham Dragons)
The first of two father/son selections in the draft and they go back-to-back at 40 and 41. Hawthorn go into a third generation of the Kennedy family, and should get a player who can help a bit next season. Where exactly Kennedy will play is unclear, as he has great versatility and can play wherever Hawthorn need him to, so expect him to be thrown into a few different spots in season 2007. The Hawks might have more time available for him as a forward, so he might start his career around half forward. Kennedy can get plenty of the ball so a spot in the midfield might be where he goes in future years. Is a good chance to take the Kennedy combined games-played total at Hawthorn past 600 games.
39. Port Adelaide:
Zac Millar. 182cm, 86kg. Midfielder/Small Forward (North Adelaide)
A skilful addition to their midfield, Millar can also go forward if needed. Could go anywhere in the draft, from 23 to 63, but the two South Australian teams might be favourite to pick him. The Power lost plenty of veterans and Millar could get plenty of playing time next season.
Alwyn Davey: The Power's top 3 goalkickers from last season were all small forwards. That could mean the Power know how to get the best from those players and Davey would have success there, or maybe the Power already have enough depth in that area. But a team can never have enough scoring options so there is a spot there for Davey.
Sam Jacobs: The Power like to have plenty of ruckmen on their list and Jacobs would be a good selection in this spot. Is a good size, in both height and weight, and with improvement with his skills he should become a solid ruck option.
1: Carlton - Bryce Gibbs
2: Essendon - Matthew Leuenberger
3: Kangaroos - Scott Gumbleton
4: Brisbane - Lachlan Hansen
5: Port Adelaide - Mitchell Thorp
6: Hawthorn - Joel Selwood
7: Geelong - Travis Boak
8: Collingwood - David Armitage
9: St. Kilda - Brent Renouf
10: Collingwood - Jack Riewoldt
11: Western Bulldogs - James Sellar
12: Melbourne - Ben Reid
13: Richmond - Kurt Tippett
14: Adelaide - Tom Hislop
15: Sydney - Leroy Jetta
16: West Coast - Nathan Brown
The Sunday Herald-Sun newspaper had a list of possible picks for the first round of the AFL National Draft. A couple of surprises, but the picks are all possibilities next weekend.
Gibbs to Carlton has been pencilled in by most people already, so that makes sense.
Essendon's recruiting manager was asked about pick 2, and unlike many other coaches or recruiters quoted in the story, he gave names for his team's pick which were "Gumbleton, Hansen or Leuenberger". The Herald-Sun mock draft went with Sheedy's preferred giant, Leuenberger.
Pick 3 in their mock was Gumbleton to the Kangaroos. Playing at centre half forward, or centre half back, Gumbleton would instantly improve the team.
Hansen or Gumbleton is the Kangaroos' decision, and in this mock the team picking after them takes the player that the Kangaroos passed on. Hansen would be a great pick for the Lions.
Selwood is available for Port, but in this mock they get Thorp. Thorp has greater potential, and more versatility, so it would not surprise if Port went this way in the actual draft.
Hawthorn might look at a key position player at this spot, as they have said they intend to do, but with Selwood still around they would surely take him.
Geelong are the team that is hard to pick for in the mock draft, but going small seems to be the idea. They also go local with their pick here, Boak.
The Magpies are next with the first of two selections. Armitage might not be a popular choice for their fans, as the player taken here will inevitably be compared to Tarrant, but a midfielder like Armitage is a possible pick at this spot. But if Collingwood want another ruck-type, and they delisted several players for that role, they would not want to let Renouf go past this pick.
The Saints need height in the backline, and with Maguire needing time to fully recover a player like Renouf should be useful. Renouf would also be a future option in the ruck, but they acquired Gardiner and also kept Brooks and Rix, so Renouf's first role would be in the backline.
Collingwood are up again and in the mock they take Riewoldt. Makes sense, and he could be considered a replacement for Tarrant, although taken with the pick Collingwood already had and not the one they acquired in the Tarrant deal.
The Bulldogs go big with Sellar and if he is around at this spot the Bulldogs should be happy.
The next two picks in the Herald-Sun mock draft are the picks for the future type. Ben Reid has been growing in height, as well as draft hype, and might get into the first round.
While Reid needs time to add bulk, the next pick in the mock is Kurt Tippett who has the height and weight, but just needs a bit of time to learn some parts of the game. Richmond lose Stafford and his role of a Tall Forward/Ruckman could be filled by Tippett.
Adelaide get a bit of a steal here with Hislop. He can follow the Ricciuto football education, being played in the backline to start his AFL career, with some occasional times up forward, but then spend most of his career as a bigger, stronger midfielder.
Sydney get a player in this mock who is thought to be Top 10 material. Jetta would provide an outside midfielder who can receive the ball from the Swans' dominating inside midfielders and then send the Swans into attack.
The Eagles get Nathan Brown in the mock, so a backup player for Glass or Lynch, that would be a useful pick to make.
Feel free to post your own mock in the comments section, or if you see a mock draft elsewhere in the media then post a comment to let everyone know.
38. Brisbane Lions:
Gavin Urquhart. 186cm, 78kg. Medium Defender (Morningside)
Brisbane really have a lot of local options at this pick and should go with that strategy. Urquhart could be like many young players and learn the AFL game in the backline for a few years before moving up into the midfield. Players like Urquhart, who missed a bit of time this season but was All-Australian in 2005, can often be great picks. While his value isn't that high right now, if he gets past the injuries and back to his previous form then he could be a draft steal.
Daniel Dzufer: Could play around half forward, or half back. Is effective kicking goals, but can also roam around the backline and accumulate a lot of possessions. A medium-sized player that the Lions could try in a number of spots, and they have plenty of spots to fill.
Chris Smith: Could be a good pick if the Lions decide they need more firepower to help Brown up forward. A bit small but does play bigger than his height would indicate. An accurate kick for goal so he won't waste the chances he gets. There certainly is a spot for him in the forward line so he might be their pick.
The AFL National Draft will be shown on Channel 10 next Saturday at 3:00pm. It will be a 1 hour highlight show of the draft hosted by Andrew Maher and Michael Christian.
AFL fans can once again feel disappointed, as there is nothing like the excitement of the draft being live on TV. To follow the draft live you will have to go to afl.com, and some radio stations will have a live broadcast too. Of course come back to AFL Insider all day before, during and after the draft for previews, news and reviews.
37. Kangaroos:
Bachar Houli. 180cm, 84kg. Midfielder (Western Jets)
The Kangaroos should concentrate on drafting midfielders in this draft. Gumbleton or Hansen at pick 3 will be too good to pass, but for the rest of their picks they need to go small. Houli can help the Kangaroos in a number of spots. Makepeace was delisted and the Kangaroos need someone to get 16 or so possessions a game, either in the midfield or in the backline. The Kangaroos would like to draft a couple of players to help next season, and while this is something that will be guaranteed from pick 3, if they also take Houli later in the draft they would be getting another player that would be expected to play senior football in 2007.
Alwyn Davey: An older draftee but young enough to have a long career as he is 22. The Kangaroos would be able to put him right into the forward line with the expectation of at least a couple of goals per game. If there is one team that needs more forward options it is the Kangaroos so if they do pick Davey it should be a good fit.
Jackson Sheringham: There are a lot of midfielders in this draft who could go anywhere from 20 to 60, and Sheringham would be in that group. Sheringham would provide some midfield run for the Kangaroos, and they need that. Could also be played in a back pocket, and would be a good contributor down there with his tackling and his solid kicking.
36. Essendon:
Danny Chartres. 194cm, 90kg. Tall Defender (Peel Thunder)
The Bombers get a bonus priority pick, as well as two picks for trading Solomon, so they can go a bit different with their strategy with some of them as they have plenty to use. Chartres is a versatile player who has been playing in the WAFL. As he is an older player he can step right into the Bombers lineup and give Essendon another tall defender. Has the ability to play anywhere for the Bombers, he can play on most forwards and has also had some time as a ruckman. Sheedy has always enjoyed having players that can be put into several different spots and Chartres should be that type of player for the Bombers. There are some teams that the unexpected is expected in the drafts, and Essendon is definitely one of those teams. It may not be Chartres, but there will be someone that Essendon take that surprises the fans on draft day.
Jackson Sheringham: Essendon will draft a couple of midfielders in this draft and Sheringham might be in the mix in round 3. Sheringham can get plenty of the ball himself and might also be suited for some defensive roles in the middle too.
James Frawley: Interesting player with good size and plenty of potential. Should become a very good full back, but would be played in other spots too. A possibility to replace Fletcher in a few years, not as tall as Fletcher but has above-average athleticism that could eventually make him just as effective in spoiling.
Round 3
35. Carlton:
Travis Boak. 182cm, 75kg. Midfielder (Geelong Falcons)
In this draft there is value well into the 50s so Carlton will be looking at a very good player at number 35. Boak could be an option for Carlton at pick 17 or 19, and if he is still around at this pick they might not be able to pass on him again. Nearly every Carlton premiership team had a large number of quality midfielders so they will be happy to add a couple more midfielders, as well as Gibbs, with picks in this draft. If they add Gibbs, Connors and Boak to their young players like Murphy, Bentick and Blackwell they will have the makings of a quality onball brigade that will play together for the next decade. Boak is a hard player to predict in the draft along with 3 or 4 of his Geelong Falcons teammates, but it has been reported that the Geelong Cats are interested in Boak, so they may take him a lot earlier than here.
Robert Gray: A small forward option for a forward line that needs more variety. Gray is an accurate kick for goal and also gets plenty of kicks to setup others in the forward area. The Carlton forward line is really only Fevola, with Waite and Kennedy as other tall options and speedy Betts providing something different as a crumbing forward. Gray could certainly add something to that mix.
Nathan Djerrkura: Another player to add to their midfield or he could be played in a defensive role. Is ready to play next season and could fill the role that McGrath had in the backline last season, or could join the other young Carlton midfielders and help them with his physical play.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
Also the results listed below will link you to the previous picks, with pick 16 also having links to the rest of the first round.
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
20. Essendon: Clinton Benjamin
21. Kangaroos: David Armitage
22. Brisbane Lions: Ricky Petterd
23. Port Adelaide: Chris Schmidt
24. Hawthorn: Nathan Batsanis
25. Geelong: Mitchell Brown
26. Richmond: Shaun Grigg
27. St Kilda: Tom Hurley
28. Collingwood: Jarryd Allen
29. West Coast: Jarryd Morton
30. Melbourne: Ben Reid
31. Fremantle: Nathan Krakouer
32. Adelaide: Aaron Edwards
33. Hawthorn: Robert Eddy
34. Brisbane Lions: Andrejs Everitt
It was interesting to hear AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan talk about the AFL's list of top draft prospects. Speaking on SEN radio, he said that there were 46 players who deserved to be part of the AFL prospects list, which only had 30 players. So let the guessing for the missing 16 begin.
Sheehan also said there were around 1700 players who nominated and that "200 to 250" were possibilities to be selected.
He also mentioned Queensland would provide a lot more players than in other years, and he expected "10 to 12 players" from Queensland to be drafted. It will probably be closer to 10 but that is still a big number, and they will be big players too as 3 or 4 ruck possibilities from Queensland could be drafted.
"A draft with great quality up front, and then enormous depth" was how he described the 2007 AFL national Draft. So a star up to pick 10 or even 20, and then a solid player available even past number 50.
As for the other 16 players who should have been in the top prospects list. We may never know but some of these players might have been the unlucky ones: Daniel Connors, Eric MacKenzie, Brock O’Brien, Shaun Grigg, Clayton Collard, Tom Hurley, Chris Smith, Shawn Colbung, Bachar Houli, Robert Eddy, Daniel Dzufer, Shaun Hampson, Clinton Benjamin, Todd Goldstein, Nathan Batsanis and Sam Jacobs.
34. Brisbane Lions:
Andrejs Everitt. 193cm, 76kg. Tall Defender (Dandenong Stingrays)
For a team with a lot of holes, and a team that is several years away from contending, a player like Everitt who can do a lot but will need time to get bigger is a good fit. Brisbane might also be a good spot for Everitt as he would play a lot of senior football up there and therefore his development into a bigger and better player might be faster than with other teams. The Lions could play him on a wing, or as a loose player around half back or there could be times when he is tried in the forward line. His best spot would be around half back, and with his combination of height and mobility he should be effective as a loose player who can get to many marking contests.
Gavin Urquhart: A player for Brisbane to draft and develop as a versatile defender. Can also be given a go in the midfield. The Lions will want to bring stability to their list and drafting local players will help. Urquhart isn't just valuable for the Lions because he is from Queensland but also because he brings a good package of skills and can still improve. Urquhart is close to Nigel Lappin in height and although he won't be as good he might be a player to replace Lappin in the future.
Jesse White: The Lions do have plenty of needs to fill, but the ruck isn't one of them. White would be a defender if taken by the Lions. He could join Daniel Merrett in the backline and would provide the Lions with two really big defenders. Add in the versatile Roe, possibly some minutes from Bradshaw down back too, and the Lions would have players to take on opposition bigs. The Lions would also have the idea of White up forward, with teams having to use their best defenders on Brown there could be times when White has a big weight, or height, advantage against his defender.
33. Hawthorn:
Robert Eddy. 181cm, 83kg. Small Defender/Midfielder (Gippsland Power)
Joel Smith isn't part of Hawthorn's future and Eddy would be ready when Smith retired. The Hawks have also delisted players who are similar in size and role to Eddy, so he could get plenty of games with Joel Smith next season too. Ries and Ball were delisted, they played a combined total of 12 games for Hawthorn last season. While Eddy's best role could be as a rebounding player out of defense that accumulates plenty of kicks to send Hawthorn into attack, there is no reason why he wouldn't be effective in the middle or even on a half forward flank.
Andrejs Everitt: Would they go back to the Everitts, it didn't work too well the previous time. This is the pick the Hawks received from Sydney for Peter Everitt so it would be ironic. But it would not be the first time at Hawthorn that something like that happened. When Hawthorn traded away Matthew Robran they used the draft pick from that deal to take Jonathan Robran. Dipper used to be a huge wingman at Hawthorn, but players are bigger these days and if Everitt was on the wing for Hawthorn the new generation player would be 8cm taller than Dipper. Although there is nearly 20kg difference between the two, and Everitt will need a while to build up. If the Hawks do get a key position player earlier in the draft, and Andrejs Everitt at this spot, then the Hawks probably have the backline already covered and can try Everitt further up the field. It is a pity that Josh Thurgood was delisted, it would have been a sight to see Everitt and Thurgood playing together.
Bachar Houli: Still have plenty of midfielders to choose from too, so a player like Houli would be a chance along with others like Boak, Sheringham, Bird and Edwards. Houli would be a useful backup for Mitchell and Hodge. Could also find a small forward role there. The Hawks have not settled on a forward line yet, and are still seeing which players fit best alongside Franklin and Williams, but one piece they don't have is a small forward who can not only kick a goal but also win the contested ball, Houli could be suited to that.
It is certainly a difficult task to come up with the 30 best draft prospects but when the AFL presents a list it will have an impact. Whether this changes draft positions for some players is yet to be seen, but if you were a player you would rather see your name there than not.
While several WA players did make the top 30, on draft day it is possible that players who were not on the list like Eric MacKenzie, Clayton Collard and Brock O’Brien could all go before pick number 30. All of those players also have a chance at a top 10 spot too.
Shaun Grigg and Daniel Connors were also notable by their absence. Possibly a coincidence, but both players played for Victoria Country and were All-Australian wingmen at the Under 18 Championships. One of them could go first round, maybe even both.
Tom Hurley is another miss, he's not the biggest player on the park but his statistics usually measure up.
Not too important to people who have been following the draft news during the year, but many fans might also want information on Tom Hawkins. He might already be locked in at pick 41 but if the AFL are going to tell fans who to "watch out for in this year's NAB AFL Draft" then they should be made aware of the best prospect of the lot.
While it is good that the AFL are trying to market the draft and some of the future stars, a comprehensive list of 200 prospects would be a lot more informative and wouldn't leave deserving prospects out.
But the AFL should know more than most, so maybe they are on the money and will be proven right on draft day. Then again, you should not expect to see a team pass on Daniel Connors to take Lindsay Thomas or Gavin Urquhart.
Click here to go to the AFL Prospects List
With the 2006 AFL National Draft fast approaching, here is a list that might show which teams are more likely to miss with one of their early picks. Taking the players that clubs just delisted, and their pick number in the AFL National Draft, an average can be worked out. Players that retired or were traded are not considered, as well as the players who were delisted but were put onto lists with a rookie, preseason or other type of pick.
So a number over 50 or so for the list below indicates a team mainly delisted players that were taken in later rounds, so they must have gotten value with early picks. While teams that had to delist players that they previously took with first or second round picks are ranked around the 20s for their average number.
Will update and expand these numbers soon by adding the delistings from 2005. That will give a lot more information and accurate results with more players and picks to average out. Consider this post a preview, and when the sample size is increased the draft efficiency results will be clearer.
But the numbers for 2006 do show a few trends which make sense, like Carlton and Hawthorn both went through a bad patch with the drafts and identifying players. Although when the 2005 numbers are added those two teams won't look as bad as they did not delist a top 10 drafted player, like Livingston or Brennan, that year.
Down the other end of the list, the Kangaroos don't delist a lot of players that they actually drafted themselves in the AFL National Drafts. But while they may have been drafting useful players, in recent seasons they have been trading away a lot of their early picks instead of using them. Fremantle have been much better drafters in recent times, compared to when they entered the league, and the 2005 delistings also show that with players like Tony Stribling and Dion Woods who were drafted late by the Dockers. But going back to 2004, when Clive Waterhouse was officially delisted, would change their ranking here.
Like Melbourne with the worst number, Geelong might have had the best rank here but that was only from one player. Adding Cameron Thurley with the delistings from 2005 would bring Geelong back to around 40, which is around the average so far for all teams.
Melbourne: 15
N Smith, 15
Carlton: 18
L Livingston, 4
T Sporn, 11
J Davies, 39
St Kilda: 24
M Ferguson, 22
M McGough 49
Hawthorn: 26
L Brennan 8
N Ries, 21
H Miller, 25
M Ball, 51
Western Bulldogs: 32
J Wells, 22
B Murphy, 33
K McGuinness, 42
West Coast Eagles: 36
T Gaspar, 14
B Smith, 57
Sydney Swans: 41
J Willoughby, 16
D Spriggs, 47
M Davis, 59
Collingwood: 42
J Cloke, 19
B Hall, 35
C Cloke, 43
A Iacobucci, 55
J Rowe, 60
Essendon: 42
T Cartledge, 28
J Reynolds, 31
A Lucy, 66
Adelaide: 43
C Gibson, 28
A Obst, 48
H Skipworth, 53
Port Adelaide: 43
J Ezard, 34
B Eckermann, 51
Richmond: 48
D Rodan, 33
T Roach, 37
D Limbach, 52
A Kellaway, 71
Brisbane: 50
J Attard, 50
Kangaroos: 53
Chad Jones, 24
T Makepeace, 81
Fremantle: 64
B Copping, 59
D Haines, 69
Geelong: 69
M McCarthy, 69
32. Adelaide:
Aaron Edwards. 184cm, 93kg. Full Forward (Frankston)
All Adelaide need is someone who can kick goals, Edwards didn't make it with the Eagles but he could be drafted back into the AFL after kicking 100 goals in the VFL. The Crows lose Hentschel for next season and he was their second best goalkicker in 2006. Edwards would have a different role to Hentschel, and would most likely be played exclusively out of the goalsquare. The Crows are playing for now and are in the position to take an older player in the draft. Not that Edwards is that old, he was born in 1984 and that only makes him around four years older than other draftees. Edwards played 4 games for the West Coast Eagles in 2005.
Sam Jacobs: The Crows are expected by some to be looking for a ruckman, but the Crows have said they are happy with the players they have. Hudson, Maric and Meesen are three big and healthy ruckmen they can play next season. But the Crows still have the future to plan for and when they were successful in the past it was built on ruck depth. Jacobs is a big local prospect who the Crows could take to bolster their ruck depth.
Nick Gill: Gill was on the Demons list several years ago, and then on the Kangaroos rookie list, and he might get another chance at the AFL in 2007. A forward who can help a team like Adelaide, as he is ready to step into the lineup and score goals. Kicked close to three goals a game in the SANFL last season. If the Crows want a player to step right in to help offset the loss of Hentschel then Gill should be able to help.
Keep checking the site here for draft news, but you can also use your knowledge of the AFL to win $5000 in a draft competition from the AFL.
Click this link for the NAB AFL Draft Competition
Just guess the first 5 picks by Carlton, Essendon, Kangaroos, Brisbane and Port Adelaide.
If you start with Gibbs you are 20% of the way there. Then Essendon and the Kangaroos could take Gumbleton and Hansen, in either order. Although both Selwood and Leuenberger could also go top 3. If the two key position players do go at 2 and 3 then Brisbane and Port Adelaide would definitely be looking at Selwood and Leuenberger, the Lions would prefer Selwood which means the Power would get the big ruckman. Plenty of other options too, so Sellar, Jetta, Thorp, Riewoldt or someone else could also go top 5.
31. Fremantle:
Nathan Krakouer. 182cm, 62kg. Small forward/Midfielder (Claremont)
The Dockers won't have a lot to do on draft day and this pick is their big moment for the day. Krakouer has great potential, and when Farmer reaches 250 career games in a couple of seasons the Dockers would have his replacement ready to step in for him. The Dockers traded away Medhurst so they could use another small forward on their list. Krakouer might not be expected to get a game next season but he might surprise and see some action, not just as a small forward but also in the midfield. While this pick is important for the Dockers, the play of Tarrant and Solomon for the Dockers next season will determine whether Fremantle really got value from this draft.
Jesse White: Could fill a role as a big defender there or provide some occasional minutes in the ruck as a backup to Sandilands. Sandilands is listed around the 125kg mark, and while White is quite a bit shorter he also registers a useful 101kg, which is impressive for a player just entering the AFL. Those two would be a big tag-team in the ruck. The Dockers have talked about playing Mundy more as a midfielder, and although the Dockers are not lacking in tall and medium-sized defenders the addition of White could give them another option in the backline. White could be a backup plan if a big forward like Lynch, Rocca or Brown can't be contained by the Dockers other tall defenders.
Robert Eddy: Eddy might be able to provide some run from the back for the Dockers. While not a big need, the Dockers will want some smaller players to assist their key defenders, McPharlin and Johnson, to rebound from the back. Fremantle have great depth for versatile, medium-sized defenders but could use some in a smaller size. The Dockers have used players like Walker and Hayden to play the role of a small defender but Fremantle might like to try another player there like Eddy.
Assuming the Blues do take Gibbs, Essendon will have to decide on one player out of many talented prospects to go at number 2.
You can post a comment below to say which player the Bombers should take at number 2.
Here are some of the contenders, and also the Essendon player that the draftees have some similarities with and a chance to emulate if they do reach their maximum potential:
Lachlan Hansen: Paul Van der Haar
Joel Selwood: Joe Misiti
Scott Gumbleton: Roger Merrett
Matthew Leuenberger: Paul Salmon
Mitchell Thorp: James Hird
James Sellar: Simon Madden
Leroy Jetta: Michael Long
30. Melbourne:
Ben Reid. 196cm, 79kg. Tall Defender (Murray Bushrangers)
Holland has been a useful tall defender for the Demons, and another tall player will have to be found to replace him in the coming seasons. Reid could join Rivers and Carroll as the core of the Demons backline after a season or two of development. Another thing for the Demons to consider is that the retirement of Neitz isn't far off and a big body will be needed in the forward line. Reid has the height and when he gets heavier and stronger he could be the key forward to replace Neitz. Melbourne were not active during trade week which could indicate they are happy with their list and they may also think they are still a Grand Final chance. Whoever they take here, it is unlikely that the Demons will play them a lot next season. It would make sense for them to draft a player that could help a lot a few seasons from now, than to take a player who doesn't have as much upside as Reid but might be able to get a game or two next season for them.
Andrejs Everitt: Another tall option who might need a bit of time with the Demons VFL team. But Sandringham are the current premiers there so he should learn a bit from them, as well as taking the time to get more bulk. Right now Everitt is a tall half back flanker or a wing, and in the future a key spot down back might be his best position. Everitt would certainly give the Demons a different option on a wing if he was played there, with the ability to cause a mismatch on shorter opponents, and that is something that Daniher needs for the Demons to trouble the top AFL teams.
Bachar Houli: Melbourne have drafted a lot of good midfielders in recent drafts and might go for another one. Houli should be able to play AFL next season, so if Melbourne are looking for immediate help and not for a project player then a player like Houli might be a chance to be picked here. Melbourne delisted a small midfielder in Read and Houli has nearly identical measurements to him, but probably a bit more versatility to his game than Read.
29. West Coast:
Jarryd Morton (Claremont)
If they really want Morton they will use their first rounder on him, but the Eagles might be able to get him with this pick anyway. Morton isn't tall enough for a key position in the AFL, which is where a lot of his football has been played, so he would join the Eagles and their big group of versatile players that includes Embley, Hunter, Staker, Chick and others. Morton as the third or fourth forward might be the first spot he is tried in. He should be able to combine effectively with Lynch and Hansen up forward. Jarryd is a much taller prospect than his brother Mitch who is already an Eagle, and the expectations as well as the draft position will also be higher for Jarryd.
Nathan Krakouer: Goals are sometimes hard to find for the Eagles and a skilled player like Krakouer in the forward line might liven things up. The Swans have Davis, the Dockers have Farmer, the Eagles don't have a small forward who can change a game. Some of their midfielders can play forward, they also have Sampi on their list, but they are missing a few things that Phil Matera provided for them. Krakouer should be able to replace that and also contribute in other positions. An outside midfield role might suit him at Subiaco, and he would be a fan favourite there running along the wing.
Ben Reid: The Eagles are so loaded with talent that they couldn't find a spot for the 195cm Jaymie Graham on their 2006 Grand Final team, so maybe there isn't a real need there for the 196.4cm Reid, but that won't stop the Eagles taking him. The Eagles did trade away two big players in McDougall and Gardiner so some more height is needed on their list.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
20. Essendon: Clinton Benjamin
21. Kangaroos: David Armitage
22. Brisbane Lions: Ricky Petterd
23. Port Adelaide: Chris Schmidt
24. Hawthorn: Nathan Batsanis
25. Geelong: Mitchell Brown
26. Richmond: Shaun Grigg
27. St Kilda: Tom Hurley
28. Collingwood: Jarryd Allen
Full Back
Graham Johncock (Ade 67/2000),
Andrew Dunkley (Syd 56/1991),
David King (Kan 46/1993)
Half Back
Cameron Bruce (Mel 64/1999),
Ashley McIntosh (WCE 112/1989),
Byron Pickett (Kan 67/1996)
Centre
Adam Goodes (Syd 43/1997),
James Hird (Ess 79/1990),
Paul Williams (Col 70/1989)
Half Forward
Brett Heady (WCE 92/1989),
Chris Grant (WB 105/1988),
Michael O'Loughlin (Syd 40/1994)
Full Forward
Daniel Bradshaw (Bri 56/1995),
Alistair Lynch (Fit 50/1986),
Andrew Embley (WCE 57/1998)
Followers
David Hille (Ess 40 in 1999),
Tony Francis (Col 95/1988),
Brent Harvey (Kan 47/1995)
bench Nick Daffy (Ric 49/1990), Michael Sexton (Car 54/1988), Brian Harris (WB 71/2001), Lindsay Gilbee (WB 43/1999)
emergencies David Grenvold (Ess 87/1987), Jamie Shanahan (StK 92/1990), Adam Schneider (Syd 60/2001)
Players drafted in the AFL National Draft at number 40 or lower, and does not include father/son picks. In brackets are the team that drafted the player, the draft pick number and the year of that draft.
It is getting close to draft day, and while the first round or two has the players everyone will be talking about next year it doesn't mean there won't be future superstars taken much later in the draft. It would hard for someone to find a team that could take this one on, a team entirely made of the later picks in the AFL National Drafts.
Top 10 Draft Steals
(With year, pick number, player and the team)
1988: 105 Chris Grant. Footscray
1997: 43 Adam Goodes. Sydney
1990: 79 James Hird. Essendon
1986: 50 Alistair Lynch. Fitzroy
1989: 112 Ashley McIntosh. West Coast
1996: 67 Byron Pickett.North Melbourne
1988: 95 Tony Francis. Collingwood
1993: 46 David King. North Melbourne
1994: 40 Michael O'Loughlin. Sydney
1989: 70 Paul Williams. Collingwood
28. Collingwood:
Jarryd Allen. 192cm, 85kg. Tall Forward (Calder Cannons)
A big centre half forward that Collingwood needs. Will take some of the pressure off big Rocca as Allen can also accumulate marks. Rocca in the goalsquare, Allen at centre half forward, and Josh Fraser going forward too, would mean Collingwood would have too much height for a lot of teams to stop. A different type of player than Tarrant, but Allen could replace him as a marking target around half forward. If Allen and Rocca don't work together in the forward line then Allen might be an option as a tall defender for them, which is another area that Collingwood need to address. Not tall enough to be a ruckman all the time, but Allen might be able to play against the other team's backup ruckmen, and allow Fraser to either go forward or have a short rest on the bench. While Allen should be played as a forward, if Collingwood need his height elsewhere on the ground he might be also be effective.
Travis Boak: Collingwood could draft another midfield prospect, and with at least one midfielder also going to the Magpies in the first round they could suddenly have a lot of youth in the middle there. Boak gets plenty of kicks and they usually hit their target. The Magpies are going to lose a lot of their veteran midfielders in the next year or two so a player like Boak is needed there. Boak would be a good contributor for the Magpies playing on a wing.
Bachar Houli: A player who could be ready to play for Collingwood next season. Possibly as a small forward who also gets some time in the middle too. Not a tall player but is strong, and Collingwood might want that. But his strength could also go against him as teams will wonder if he has room to improve. Could be a player to step in for Licuria or Burns in a season or two.
27. St Kilda:
Tom Hurley. 178cm, 72kg. Midfielder (Sturt)
The Swans team was built on a successful midfield and Ross Lyon will want to increase the depth at that position for the Saints. Nobody will ever replace Harvey at St Kilda, but at least Hurley has some similar attributes and not just half the letters in his last name. Hurley gets a lot of the ball, and while next season might be too early for him to get 20 disposals a game, by the time Harvey retires Hurley will be capable of more than that number and will help offset the loss of Harvey. Powell has retired, Thompson and Harvey don't have many years left, so the Saints have plenty of reasons to take a young midfielder like Hurley in the draft.
Robert Eddy (Gippsland Power)
The Saints lose Peckett as a small defender and Eddy could slot into a spot on a half back flank for them. Surprisingly, Peckett played 17 games last season, so that is a bit of a hole for the Saints to fill. If the Saints decide they need a draft prospect who can step right in and help next season then Eddy might be able to do that for them. But his potential may not be as high as other players available at this pick.
Ben Reid (Murray Bushrangers)
The Saints just hired a new coach and while immediate results are expected at St Kilda the coach is secure for a few years so they can take a younger prospect that might take a bit more time. If they draft Reid he could be someone to eventually replace Hudghton for the Saints. It will be something to watch on draft day, the Saints are close to the Grand Final so they might go for players who can help them next season instead of project picks who might be better players in the long run.
Name three teams that drafted a player called Judd. Judd can be the first or last name of the player taken in a past AFL National Draft.
The Bulldogs once traded for pick 9 in the AFL National Draft and then used that pick to draft Allen Jakovich who had been delisted by Melbourne, not the best result. But they weren't close to the cup then.
One thing that might be a reason if the Bulldogs don't win in the next couple of years is the Lochlan Veale deal. The Hawks got Danny Jacobs, the Bombers received from the Bulldogs the pick they used on Kepler Bradley, and the Bulldogs thought they won with Jade Rawlings being available in the preseason draft. The Bulldogs also included Mark Alvey in the trade and he ended up with the Bombers.
Stanton, Mundy, Butler or Peake would have been some of the options, as well as Bradley, at pick 6 for the Bulldogs. Bradley hasn't developed into a star tall yet, but for the Bulldogs he might have been developed quicker as most of their talls have been injury-prone in recent seasons. While Street towers over nearly everyone, Bradley would be one of the tallest players there and he is even as tall as Minson. The shortish Bulldogs would have played Bradley a lot more than the Bombers.
Maybe if the Bulldogs didn't go for the Veale deal, Rawlings would have gone to the Kangaroos. That means the Bulldogs didn't just miss out on a draft pick like Kepler Bradley but also a veteran midfielder in the preseason draft in Nick Stevens.
If the Bulldogs could have used pick 6 in the 2003 draft, instead of sending it to Essendon, then it is likely they would have drafted another star to add to the two players they took early in that draft, Adam Cooney and Farren Ray.
Bradley may not have been too effective last September against the Eagles and big Lynch, and maybe Stevens couldn't do a lot for the Bulldogs either against the West Coast midfield, but Bradley and Stevens might have been the return for the Western Bulldogs if they didn't do the trade and those two players would have done a lot more than Rawlings and Veale.
Who is picked second?
Will Troy Makepeace get another chance in this draft?
Will the Brown brothers be on the same AFL team?
Who will be the draft day slider?
Will Richmond get the player at pick 13 that they would have taken at number 8?
Who will be the first Queensland player taken?
Will the Eagles draft Jarryd Morton?
Who will be the second ruckman taken?
Will Terry Wallace draft a tall player?
Which player will be considered the biggest reach?
Will Carlton still draft one of their possible father/son prospects late in the draft?
Who will be the first "recycled" player, as in a player just delisted, taken by a new club?
Will Chris Dawes find a club that is able to wait for him to recover?
Will a Selwood be based in yet another state next season?
Do Collingwood draft the same type of player at both 8 and 10?
Are more players drafted from the Northern Territory than are drafted out of New South Wales?
Does Riewoldt play with Riewoldt and will Krakouer play beside Krakouer next season?
Is 100 VFL goals enough to get Aaron Edwards back on a list in the AFL?
Will the size and potential of Todd Goldstein make him a much earlier pick than expected?
Can Simon Hogan turn draft camp domination into being selected on draft day?
All AFL drafts present teams with many options, and fans with many questions. Listed above are just a small number of things to watch on draft day. In the next few days some guesses to these questions, and any others you submit via the comments, will be posted on the site.
26. Richmond:
Shaun Grigg. 189cm, 79kg. Midfielder/Medium Forward (North Ballarat Rebels)
The Tigers are looking for the right forward line mix around Richardson, and Grigg could be a useful piece in their lineup. Grigg on a half forward flank and rotating occasionally through the midfield would prove useful for the Tigers. Grigg is the type of player that can cause a mismatch and the Tigers should be able to exploit that. If the opposition play a smaller midfield-type on Grigg then he can be played closer to goal, and if they use a bigger defender on him then Grigg can switch to the wing. The Tigers need a medium-sized forward and if Richmond think Grigg can fill that role he could be their pick.
Nathan Krakouer: There might be a lot of excitement for Tigers fans if they do call out Krakouer's name. The best thing about the North Melbourne sides of the 1980s was watching the two Krakouers and it could happen again. Nathan Krakouer would probably play around the forward line for Richmond, with some time on a wing possible too. He isn't that big, and needs at least 10kg more added to his frame, so it might take a year or two for him to be physically ready for the AFL. But his skills are there now, and with his pace it isn't like a lot of people will be able to catch him anyway. Nathan Krakouer will be one of the big stories of the draft and Richmond can get him not only for his skills but also for the positive impact it will have on the team's marketing.
Tom Hurley: Wallace has often drafted small so Hurley could be on his list for this draft. Richmond lose Chaffey and will be thinking about drafting a replacement. Hurley gets a lot of disposals and at Richmond Hurley could probably step right in and get at least 15 disposals per game. Some of his playing time might also be as a small defender for the Tigers.
25. Geelong:
Mitchell Brown. 193cm, 92kg. Key Position Player (North Ballarat Rebels)
Plenty of talent still available at this pick and adding Mitchell Brown along with Tom Hawkins would mean Geelong get two of the best forwards from the Under 18 Titles. The Cats delisted both Kingsley and McCarthy, while their tall backs Harley, Milburn and Scarlett are not young now either. So even with the addition of Hawkins, Geelong do have reasons to add more key position players to their list.
Ben Reid: Geelong would continue with drafting from the Murray Bushrangers and would get a possible future replacement for one of their veteran talls down back. The Cats will get impact players in the first and third rounds who should be able to play next season so they can afford to take one of the younger prospects and wait a year or two for them. Reid would be ready to take over from Harley in the backline in a few seasons.
Andrejs Everitt: Similar to Reid as some patience is needed by the team that drafts Everitt as well. While Everitt is several years away from being able to compete physically, he has a lot of other attributes and skills. He has hands the size of a ruckman's, is key position in height, but is also nimble on his feet like an onballer. Putting Everitt on the wing at Kardinia Park might be something Geelong can try right away, and having a player of that height on the wing will cause the opposition problems. Everitt would be expected to eventually play in the backline and might be able to replace Milburn in the future as a loose player around half back.
The Eagles' list of draft successes is much longer than the one for failures. They drafted McIntosh at pick 112 in 1989, they traded Alex Ishchenko for the top pick in 1988 and acquired pick 1 in 1992 for the cost of Scott Watters and Tony Begovich. Another example of the Eagles domination of the drafts was in 1992, they traded Paul Peos for the pick that would be used on Shane Bond and after a couple of season the Eagles brought Peos back with a preseason pick. The Eagles know the value of draft picks, and with their ability to spot talent they usually have a very successful draft.
One draft that didn't go to plan was the 1997 AFL draft. The Eagles had again traded for another first rounder, and would have picks 12 and 13. Pick 13 was acquired from Geelong for Brett Spinks. Spinks was picked at number 79 in the 1992 draft but the big forward couldn't get a regular game in the Eagles forward line.
The Eagles used pick 12 on Jaxon Crabb and unlucky 13 was Callum Chambers. Neither player did anything for the Eagles, Chambers might have been the better of the two and he would end up being traded to Carlton, but just for pick 57 in the 2004 draft.
The Eagles did use pick 28 better, with Rowan Jones, but 12 and 13 could have been Dean Solomon, Nick Stevens or even Simon Black. The Eagles passed on drafting Black with three of their picks that day.
Solomon is a player that teams need for Grand Finals, if the Eagles had drafted him in 1997 he would have been a valuable member of the 2005 Grand Final team, and though they didn't need him in 2006 he would have been part of that side too.
A first round pick is usually turned into a future premiership player by the Eagles, except for McDougall and a few others, but in 1997 the Eagles didn't just miss once but with both of their first round picks. Three premierships for the Eagles since joining the league in 1987 is not bad but with someone like Solomon going to the Eagles in 1997, and not Crabb and Chambers, there is a chance that the Eagles might have another cup. They would also have kept Solomon away from the Dockers, who could be the Eagles biggest challenger in season 2007.
Tomorrow: Western Bulldogs
24. Hawthorn:
Nathan Batsanis. 180cm, 75kg. Midfielder (Oakleigh Chargers)
The Hawks have reworked their list in the last few drafts and addressed most needs. Hodge, Mitchell and Bateman all get plenty of the ball, as does Shane Crawford. The first three players were all recent draft picks but Crawford is getting close to the end now. Batsanis would give the Hawks a player who could replace Crawford's disposals statistics in the future. Crawford averaged around 24 possessions a game last season and Batsanis can replicate those numbers. The Hawks will also have Smith, Vandenberg and Dixon retiring in the next few seasons. Batsanis has the skills to play in the backline like Smith, and while a shorter player than Dixon, Batsanis also knows how to kick a goal.
Ben Reid: A highly-rated prospect who still needs to develop before he is ready for the AFL. Has great height and aerial ability, but needs another 10 kilograms to compete at centre half back, which is his likely position in the future. Although he also the potential to play forward as well. The Hawks will need to decide if they can wait, and whether they do need more key position prospects, and if they do then Reid would be a player who could be a great investment for Hawthorn.
Jackson Sheringham: Another option if the Hawks go small with this pick. Someone for Mitchell and Hodge to get the ball to, Sheringham can then run and hit a target up the field. Smallish but effective, Sheringham could provide some extra pace that Hawthorn need
In an article in the Herald-Sun today Kevin Sheehan, the AFL's National Talent manager, listed some of his top draft prospects and provided a scouting report on them.
The feature story was about Bryce Gibbs, and then the other players listed were:
Matthew Leuenberger
Lachlan Hansen
James Sellar
Mitchell Thorp
Leroy Jetta
David Armitage
Joel Selwood
Brent Renouf
23. Port Adelaide:
Chris Schmidt. 186cm, 77kg. Midfielder/Forward (West Adelaide)
Maybe they just found a replacement for Dew. Schmidt is a skilful player who would be a medium-sized forward to compliment big Treadrea and smaller players like Mahoney and Ebert. The Power would also have the option of playing him further back, and with Wanganeen, Francou, Walsh and Kingsley all officially off the Power list there is a role somewhere for a player like Schmidt. Schmidt is a local, and if he and other prospects at this pick are rated similarly by the Power then taking the local player is the right pick.
Tom Hurley: In this draft the Power went big, really big with Leuenberger, and in the real AFL draft they probably do go big at pick 5 with Leuenberger, Sellar or another tall. Going big earlier might mean going small here, and Hurley is an onballer who gets a lot of the ball. The Power do have a lot of promising young onballers, but there is room for a few more. The Power could really draft a future onball unit in this draft, Hurley and Leuenberger could join Salopek and Pearce as a centre-square unit for the next decade.
Shaun Grigg: Not a local player as Grigg is from Victoria, but also could be someone the Power look at. Could play forward for the Power and would get a goal or two a game, and might setup a few more. Like Schmidt, Grigg could be put into a few different spots on the field next season as the Power fill some holes after retirements and delistings.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
20. Essendon: Clinton Benjamin
21. Kangaroos: David Armitage
22. Brisbane Lions: Ricky Petterd
The Swans have been the recipient of many draft picks over the years. Zone selections, predraft selections, uncontracted player selections and other compensation picks all went their way. But the 1996 Grand Final appearance was setup by the Lockett trade, the 2005 triumph was in large part due to trades for Hall, Jolly, Davis and others. While the Swans did have quite a few players in those teams that they had drafted, they had also missed with a lot more of their picks. The Swans didn't need the extra picks, they just needed to identify talent better.
The 1991 draft had the Swans turning picks 4, 6 and 17 into Andrew McGovern, Paul Burton and Anthony Cole. In 1992 Sydney traded away pick 2, and with their 6 other picks they drafted players who would play a total of only 1 game for the Swans. 1993 was a bit better, but they had 6 picks in the top 30 so it would be hard to miss. But it still wasn't a great return from picks 1, 4, 5, 20, 22 and 28. The players picked at 5 and 20 did play in the 1996 Grand Final, Heuskes and Chapman. 1993 was the year that Gaspar went at 1, Sydney also took Glenn Gorman at pick 4.
But an earlier draft could have loaded the Swans with players who would have become veteran stars and an important part of the 1996 Grand Final team, in 1988 the Swans really missed with their picks. They started with Dion Scott at pick 8 and then followed with Paul Holdsworth, Nick Chigwidden, Jim West, Andrew Bishop and Gareth John. John, taken with pick 106, was probably the best of the lot.
The 1988 draft included players like Michael Sexton, Michael Long, Anthony Stevens, Tony Francis and Chris Grant. Taking any one of those players might have changed Sydney's fortunes. Dunkley, Roos and Bayes were a solid defensive combination for the Swans in 1996 but adding Michael Sexton to the Swans backline might have changed the 1996 Grand Final result. The Kangaroos had McKernan and Carey, and could also put marking options like Roberts, Sholl and Allison up forward too. Seymour, a young O'Loughlin and Heuskes could play tall but Sexton was a bit taller and was at the top of his game at that time.
One good point for Sydney about the 1988 draft is that it did provide players for the Swans, but it took a while for them to get to Sydney. Daryn Cresswell was drafted by Geelong. Derek Kickett was originally drafted by North Melbourne and would play with Sydney after several eventful years with Essendon.
Sydney scout the talent a lot better now than they did back in the 1980s and early 1990s. Proof of this is the late finds that include Malceski, Schneider and Buchanan. If the Swans were as successful at drafting in 1988 as they are now they might have another cup, if not more, from the Lockett, Roos and Kelly teams of the mid 1990s.
Tomorrow: West Coast Eagles
22. Brisbane Lions:
Ricky Petterd. 184cm, 77kg. Midfielder/Small Defender (Broadbeach)
The Lions have two second round picks and one might go on a Queenslander. Petterd would play in the middle of the ground and down back as well, where he would find playing time with Brad Scott retiring. If the Lions are going to play Merrett and Brennan in the backline there will need to be other players there who can use the ball well and Petterd should be able to do that.
Mitchell Brown: With their early pick in this mock draft, the Lions went small and if they go small in the real one then a bigger player might be the pick here. The Lions have yet to find a replacement for Lynch, and now they also have to fill the spots recently vacated by Leppitsch and Michael. The Lions could try Brown at both ends of the ground, but right now the full back spot might be where he is needed most.
Tom Hurley: The Lions were successful when they had great midfield depth and they might try building that area up again. They have the ruckmen in place already, Charman and Woods, and can add players like Hurley who get plenty of the ball. Hurley could be placed in the centre and be used to extract the ball from stoppages, setting up some of the runners the Lions have in the midfield. Brisbane also have picks 34 and 38 so whoever the Lions are looking at here there is a chance that they will end up with one of them here and might be able to get another player later.
21. Kangaroos:
David Armitage. 183cm, 79kg, Midfielder (Morningside)
The Kangaroos need some small, quick players and they could go that way with a lot of their picks. Armitage should be high on the Kangaroos list, and as they have signed to play games in Queensland it would also benefit them to have something for the fans up there. Armitage ranked up the top in several draft camp tests, and while that often indicates the prospect is just an athlete for Armitage it says he is an athletic footballer. The Kangaroos need his pace as well as his ability to win the ball, and if he is available at this spot then the Kangaroos will surely draft him.
Chris Schmidt: Could bring a different set of skills to the Kangaroos forward line, or a taller option on the wing. Shannon Grant is getting close to the end of his career and a player like Schmidt could eventually fill his role. The Kangaroos have several needs and Schmidt is an option for a few of them. Might become a similar player to Corey Jones for the Kangaroos, accumulating kicks and goals.
Ricky Petterd: They dumped Makepeace and his role could be filled by a player like Petterd. While Petterd is also capable of playing onball, the Kangaroos need to improve their group of small defenders and someone like Petterd could rebound from the backline with accurate kicking. Last season Petrie was played as a loose player in the back, and he did very well, but if Petrie is needed to play as a more conventional centre half back and stay with his opponent then Petterd might be able to fill that role.
The 1997 AFL Grand Final was the Saints' big chance, but they could not overcome the combination of Jarman and McLeod. Most of the Saints 1997 team had been put together through the drafts and if they had come up with another player or two it might have changed the result. In the 1992 draft two South Australian players were taken at 16 and 17. The Saints took Brodie Atkinson and the next player drafted was Kym Koster, he would be traded to the Crows and would be part of the team that defeated the Saints in 1997.
The Saints drafted North Adelaide's Atkinson instead of South Adelaide's Koster. The Crows had a great team in 1997 and 1998 and might not have needed Koster anyway, but the Saints would have preferred Koster on their team than playing against him. Koster would have started on a wing for the Saints and sent the ball into the forward line of Loewe, Hall and Heatley. The Crows would have been without Koster, and with less run through the midfield Blight might have been a bit more reluctant to take Jarman from the middle to play at full forward.
But maybe Koster would have wanted to leave the Saints, as he did with the Bulldogs, and return to South Australia. That might have been a good move for the Saints too, as the Crows were happy to trade pick 9 in the 1995 draft for Koster. Pick 9 could have been used on Simon Prestigiacomo, Scott Welsh or Kane Johnson.
The Saints were leading at halftime of the 1997 Grand Final, a couple of small changes to the Saints and the result would have gone their way. The first round of the 1992 draft had the Saints missing out on a future dual-premiership player in Koster. If they had drafted him then the Saints might have benefited from his 7 tackles and 14 disposals in the 1997 game, instead of being on the receiving end as Koster helped the Crows to the win.
Tomorrow: Sydney Swans
20. Essendon:
Clinton Benjamin. 188cm, 80kg. (Claremont)
This mock draft takes into account the previous selections by the teams and if Essendon can go big, Gumbleton, then small, Collard, and finish off their three picks in the top 20 with a medium-sized prospect like Benjamin the Bombers will have had a good draft. Not that it would finish here as they have plenty of picks to come, the Solomon trade provided a couple of extra picks later in the draft too. Not to put pressure on a young draftee, but with Hird's retirement expected to be at the end of next season the Bombers will need someone who can play numerous positions and have the ability to change a game. Benjamin is the same height as Hird, which is a start, and Benjamin has already been played both forward and back with some time in the middle of the ground too. With the Bombers a spot around half back might be his position initially, or maybe a wing would suit him. Benjamin will bulk-up a bit so in a couple of years he might even be playing a key position to create a mismatch.
Ricky Petterd: An option for a midfield or defensive spot. The Bombers do need some players around half back who can use the ball better to send Essendon into attack and Petterd could eventually fill that role.
Jarryd Allen: A pick for the future and could replace Lucas in a few years as a target around centre half forward. But it is not an immediate need, and Allen might not play for Essendon in 2007 unless injuries hit again. If Essendon can look ahead to three or four years from now and picture a forward line of Johns, Allen and Ryder they may take Allen here as that future lineup would be very impressive.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
19. Carlton: Daniel Connors
Round 2
19. Carlton:
Daniel Connors. 182cm, 77kg. Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers)
Connors added to Murphy and Gibbs, and Carlton would have a rejuvenated midfield after this draft. But maybe they would need a couple of seasons to grow, not that Carlton would expect a big jump in the standings next season anyway. McGrath played 19 games last season, a lot of them in the backline, and Connors could fill his spot in 2007. Connors would also give them another option on the wing or in the middle too so he would be a useful selection for the Blues.
Shaun Grigg: Midfield game combined with a bigger body, or could play up forward and kick a goal or two and get plenty of possessions. If Carlton want some more height in the middle of the ground then Grigg is a chance. Might have been a better chance to be selected here if Fisher and Russell were not brought back.
Mitchell Brown: It isn't news that Fevola is volatile, and it wouldn't be a shock if he was traded in a year's time. Carlton have Waite and Kennedy but they need the space around half forward and don't yet have a game to play from the goalsquare. Brown would give Carlton a player who like his brother, another 2006 draftee Nathan Brown, could play at either end. Brown could be a backup for Fevola, or an option in the backline along with Whitnall, O'Hailpin and the returning Thornton. But if Carlton do go tall with pick 17, then this pick is unlikely to be another tall pick.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
18. Essendon: Clayton Collard
1995 was the year that the yellow and black roared loud after many years down the bottom of the ladder. Led by Matthew Knights, the Tigers got on a roll and ended up only one win from the Grand Final. The 1991 draft didn't help Richmond at all and a better draft then would have meant a better Tigers team in 1995.
The Tigers got a total of 0 games from all the players they drafted. Todd Hawes, Shaun Brooker, Glen Hoffman, Nick Roney, Jay Burton, John Kennedy and Paul Dimattina were the Tigers' draft picks.
The drafting wasn't even the worst part, it was the trading of draft picks. They sent pick 3 for big ruckman Steven O'Dwyer, they then traded their next pick which was number 16 to the Eagles for forward Stevan Jackson. Pick 42 was also sent to West Coast for Todd Breman.
The Demons drafted Darren Kowal at number 3 and the Eagles took Daniel Metropolis at pick 16. Both were good players, Kowal in the midfield and Metropolis as a medium-sized option up forward or down back. But Richmond could have done better than that too, as Shane Crawford went at pick 13, Matthew Hogg went at 18 and Andrew Dunkley went later at pick 56.
But adding Kowal to the midfield for Richmond in 1995, and putting Metropolis in the forward line, would have helped Richmond. The Tigers might have had enough to get past Geelong at Waverley that season and into the Grand Final. Even if Kowal and Metropolis were not going to make the difference for Richmond then, they certainly would have added more to the Richmond team of that time than the two big players Richmond had traded for.
Tomorrow: St Kilda Saints
18. Essendon:
Clayton Collard. 177cm, 80kg. Midfielder/Small Forward (South Fremantle)
Essendon need midfield help, and a smaller player to crumb the packs up forward might add more scoring to an Essendon forward line that will have plenty of tall firepower next season. Collard might be able to do both, and if he lasts this long Essendon will be happy. Lloyd, Lucas, Hird, Ryder and Johns are taller marking options for Essendon up forward, and while they do have Monfries and Lovett as smaller options they could certainly use Collard. In the midfield Collard would bring a different game that would compliment Watson and Stanton.
Clinton Benjamin: An option around half back and maybe further up the field later in his career. If he was picked by Sheedy he would be tried in numerous spots. Essendon would be hoping that he was there at pick 20 if they passed on him at this spot.
Ricky Petterd: Essendon will look everywhere for players and a Queenslander like Petterd could be the pick. Petterd could be played onball or in the backline for the Bombers. If Essendon do go small at pick 2, then a key position prospect at this spot might be their pick.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
17. Carlton: Kurt Tippett
Priority Round
17. Carlton:
Kurt Tippett. 201cm, 96kg. Tall Forward/Ruckman (Southport)
If Carlton don't take Leuenberger then a ruckmen here is the right pick. They won't want to wait for pick 19 to do it as Essendon could very likely take who they want with their next pick. Sheedy would like a project big like Tippett who is already advanced in development even though he has played less football than most potential picks. But Tippett is ready to help immediately up forward, while also having the potential to develop into a powerful ruckman. The Blues have lost Deluca who was a forward option of similar height to Tippett, that shouldn't change the Blues' draft strategy because they needed more height even before Deluca left.
Daniel Connors: Assuming they take Gibbs at 1, Carlton will use at least one pick at 17 and 19 on a big. It will depend on who they think Essendon want, and if Carlton hear that Essendon want the same midfielder as Carlton then it could be a small at 17 and then a tall at pick 19. Connors is also an option for their next pick. The Blues look to have one wing position settled with Simpson, and Connors could play on the other wing or Connors could join Murphy in the centre.
Clayton Collard: The Carlton forward line consists of mainly tall players, and Eddie Betts as a smaller option, and if the Blues take Collard it could be to play him more as a forward than further up the ground.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
16. West Coast: Garry Moss
16. West Coast:
Garry Moss. 178cm, 68kg. Midfielder (East Perth)
Need to have someone distribute the ball with Cox dominating hitouts and Moss can play in the centre and accumulate stats. A bit smaller than a lot of the West Coast midfielders, but the Eagles do need some variety on their list. They do lose Banfield so another small might help the depth. If there isn't a spot for him in their loaded midfield then Moss might find a role around goals like Phil Matera had. The Eagles don't have to go for a Western Australian player, as they have a good record of keeping players from other states, but there will be a lot of locals to choose from.
Clinton Benjamin: Similar to a lot of the Eagles with medium height and versatility for a few spots. The Eagles don't have a lot of holes to fill on their list so another player that can do more than a few things might be a chance. No matter who they select here they won't get a lot of senior games next year, for Benjamin it would give him a year or two to develop more and then he could take over from someone like Chick.
Clayton Collard: Plenty of local prospects for the Eagles to sift through, maybe a couple of these players are taken earlier but that might push MacKenzie or O'Brien to this pick which would also please the Eagles. Collard is an outside midfielder for the Eagles if they don't take an inside player like Moss. There might also be a spot for Collard up forward at West Coast too. Having Collard around the packs crumbing from big Quinten should provide some goals. The Eagles' next pick isn't far away, they moved up to number 29 in the McDougall trade, so there is a possibility, not a big one though, that one of the players that West Coast would like at this spot will be available then.
Click on the previous draft picks below for a more detailed look.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
14. Adelaide: Eric MacKenzie
15. Sydney: Brock O’Brien
The Power won in 2004 but they could have won a lot more, in the preceding years when Brisbane had their streak the Power finished in 5th spot in 2001, followed by a 3rd and a 4th in the next two seasons. They were one or two players short, and a better draft pick during their early years might have been enough for the Power to compete in multiple AFL Grand Finals.
The 1999 AFL draft was not a good one for the Power. They drafted Koulouriotis at 12, Ackland at 27, Guerra at 28, Steven Brosnan at 57 and then passed on using pick 71. They all had a very short career with the Power. It would not have been hard for the Power to do better in 1999, just taking the very next player who was drafted after their picks would have greatly improved the team.
Robert Murphy was selected with the pick right after Koulouriotis. The Power couldn't take Jonathan Brown at pick 30, but other picks right after Ackland and Guerra were Adam Hunter at pick 29 and Paul Chapman at 31. Pick 57 didn't do a lot for the Power, but pick 58 was Patrick Bowden. While the Power passed on selection number 71, the Kangaroos drafted both Matthew Burton and Troy Makepeace with later picks than that.
Chapman might have been the best option for Port in 2001, 2002 and 2003 from the list of players above. His hardness in the midfield, his ability to go forward and kick a goal, the Power would have been improved if they had him.
The 2004 Premiership did have a couple of good players who were acquired in 1999, Brett Montgomery and Matthew Bishop were traded to Port Adelaide at that time. But when the 1999 draft came around the Power didn't get anyone that helped them. A better player or two from that draft and the Power might have made it to more than one AFL Grand Final.
Tomorrow: Richmond Tigers
15. Sydney:
Brock O’Brien. 180cm, 78kg. Midfielder (Peel Thunder)
Williams retired and Spriggs was delisted so drafting a midfielder will add depth there for Sydney. O'Brien could get time in the midfield and also can play as a smaller defender. Might get more playing time as a defender in his first few seasons, and Sydney could use a talented, smaller backman to compliment their 3 or 4 versatile taller players they have down back.
Daniel Connors: Connors would also be a good pick for the Swans and his skill with the ball is something that Roos wants in his players. Probably can't find a local player to draft here, and an onballer from Victoria, Western Australia or maybe Queensland is a likely pick. Connors, O'Brien or Pettard are just some of the players who could be available with this pick. Some teams will also have Craig Bird highly-ranked on their lists of players, the Swans would know better than anyone how good he is so if they want to go local then Bird with this pick is another option.
Andrejs Everitt: He has height, potential and Sydney already have his brother. If the Swans want a player with key position height who is ready to compete right away then Everitt is not the way to go. But if the Swans want a player with great potential who could eventually become a very good tall defender then Everitt would be an investment for the future, who could also get a few games next season on a wing where his height and mobility could give him an advantage against more experienced, but shorter, opponents. Maybe the Swans decide they need more immediate help, and Jarryd Allen or Mitchell Brown could be other players considered if they want to go tall.
14. Adelaide:
Eric MacKenzie. 195cm, 91kg. Tall Defender (Claremont)
Bassett isn't young anymore so the Crows could use a tall defensive prospect. MacKenzie is one of the best tall defender prospects. The Crows do need a tall up forward, and while this isn't a position MacKenzie has played a lot of there have been some games where he kicked goals when playing forward. With the Crows, if they played him forward it would be more of a half forward role and he has the potential to be effective there. He is able to provide a solid contest for marks and with his big kick could send the ball deep into the Crows' attack. With MacKenzie and McGregor playing around half forward next season, the Crows midfield would have a couple of big options to kick to.
Chris Schmidt: Always a good move to draft local especially if that player fills a need. Schmidt could eventually play in the Crows midfield but as a medium-sized forward he might make a quicker impact there. The Crows don't worry about where a player is from, and have used previous first rounders on players from other states, but if a local player fills a need then they will take them.
Tom Hurley: The Crows will be losing some midfield veterans in the coming years, and Ricciuto is probably a full-time forward now as well, so adding another good midfielder to the list is not a bad idea. Hurley gets a lot of the ball to feed to his teammates, and the Crows have always relied on midfield dominance to win games. Hurley could be playing in the centre for the Crows sooner rather than later.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
13. Richmond: Nathan Brown
Former Geelong full forward Kent Kingsley may have found a new team. The Tigers will have Kingsley training with them and he could be an option for Richmond in one of the drafts.
Kingsley averaged 49 goals per year from season 2002 to 2005. In 2006 his total from 9 AFL games was 10 goals. He also played 12 games for Geelong's VFL side and kicked 39 goals.
While a lot of people will wonder why Richmond would consider an older player like Kingsley, it does make sense in some aspects of it. Richardson has always been a forward who often finds himself on the wing, he gets the ball on one of his long leads and sometimes doesn't have many options to kick to in the forward area. In the past his team has been successful with another full forward playing with him. The Tigers do have some young players who may be able to fill this role but for next year Kingsley might be a better option. Richardson kicked 45 goals in 2006, Pettifer had 31 and Simmonds 25. The Tigers also lose Stafford's 15 goals. A player who is a proven goalkicker is something that Richmond needs.
Another reason why Kingsley is a reasonable option is the price, both in salary and draft picks. Kingsley would not be expecting a big contract, and Richmond would not offer one anyway, while the price to acquire him would be a preseason pick or maybe pick 60 in the AFL National Draft.
Richmond probably don't draft Kingsley, but if they do it will be a low-cost, short-term deal that might provide the Tigers with a few more goals and a push into the finals.
13. Richmond:
Nathan Brown. 194cm, 89kg. Key Position player (North Ballarat Rebels)
If this happens, then he better get a nickname or there will be confusion at Richmond. If Richmond do draft Brown, or a similar player, they will have turned pick 8 into a full back and a centre half back, with Polak filling the other spot. That is a really good return for trading down a few picks and sending a later draft pick to Fremantle. There is obviously a need to have someone to replace Gaspar in the next year or two and Brown is rated as one of the best full back prospects. Brown is also capable of playing up forward, it would be an interesting setup for Richmond with both Richardson and Brown leading from the goalsquare. Teams struggle to stop Richardson with his marking ability and fast leads, combine him and Brown and teams would have to find two defenders with pace and height to combat them.
Daniel Connors: Plenty of midfielders worth picking here and Connors would add a midfielder to the list that could replace Chaffey who retired. The Tigers will have to decide between an onballer or a key position player with this pick, and with their recent draft history a small could be taken here. But in this draft Richmond will be able to add a quality onballer with their next pick while the quality of tall players will drop-off before then. It is always interesting to watch Wallace at the drafts as he usually has an unexpected player that he drafts.
Brock O’Brien: Terry Wallace often goes small in drafts, and he does scout and draft Western Australian players, Brock could be a player he likes and O'Brien could fill a number of roles for the Tigers. Raines might be played further up the field and O'Brien could be a player who also starts his career down back. Would get plenty of possessions for Richmond as they build from the back and O'Brien is a solid kick who could rebound out of the backline.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
12. Melbourne: Tom Hislop
Melbourne did reach the AFL Grand Final in 2000 and in 1988, but they would prefer to not remember the results of those games. Maybe a player could have been drafted by Melbourne that would have helped them in those Grand Finals.
Melbourne did very good in the first drafts in 1986 and 1987. They drafted the Febeys, Anthony Lovell, Andrew Obst and Stephen Tingay. That was a great success compared to many other teams who were unable to find players in the early drafts. Dunstall kicked more goals than the entire Melbourne side in the 1988 Grand Final, and nobody in the 1986 or 1987 draft would have been able to help Melbourne enough that day to change the result. So the Demons fans can't blame the drafts for Melbourne's performance in that game.
The 2000 Grand Final was not a good day for Melbourne, although not as bad as 1988, but the drafting of players was also good leading up to that year. Melbourne had drafted Anthony McDonald at pick 59 and selected Guy Rigoni at number 77 in another draft so they were finding players even with late picks. 1997 was a busy time for trading and while they could have done a bit better, the return of White and Johnstone was a solid result for their two early picks.
Maybe something could have been done a few years earlier that would have provided Melbourne with some extra firepower for season 2000 and the 1993 draft was one that Melbourne could have done better in. The Demons drafted Trent Ormond-Allen, Brad Hall and Michael Prentice and also traded their last pick for Paul Ridley. Only Ormond-Allen would ever play for Melbourne, although his total was only 8 games and he would be traded to Adelaide for pick 83 in the 1996 draft.
So pick 10 in 1993 was Ormond-Allen, Brad Johnson went to the Bulldogs at pick 11, while Chris Scott was drafted by Brisbane at pick 12. Johnson on the Demons could have been the goalkicking midfielder that took Melbourne to the next level. Yze, Woewodin, Anthony McDonald, Leoncelli and Johnstone were very successful in 2000 but not in the Grand Final. Brad Johnson would have had to have played one of the best Grand Finals ever to change the 2000 result, when Essendon had twice as many scoring shots in the 135 to 75 victory, but his inclusion would have made some sort of a positive impact.
While Melbourne would probably want Johnson, Chris Scott would also have been a much better draft pick for them at number 10 than Ormond-Allen. Scott playing on Hird in the 2000 game would have been a much better matchup for Melbourne than the players the Demons tried that day with no success.
The Demons have played in two Grand Finals during the years after the draft was introduced to the AFL, both of their Grand Final sides included many players that the Demons had successfully drafted but they were still a star or two short. Maybe Brad Johnson would have made some difference in 2000, maybe he wouldn't have, but it would have been a much better Demons side if they had drafted a star in 1993.
Tomorrow: Port Adelaide Power
12. Melbourne:
Tom Hislop. 185cm, 85kg. Midfielder (Burnie Dockers)
The Demons were drafting players from Tasmania in 1986 and they could go back there once more with Hislop. Pickett and some of the recent Demons draftees have added a hardness to a Melbourne side that really needed it and Hislop would bring more of that. The Demons are a top 4 chance and drafting a player like Hislop who is ready to play is a good draft strategy. Hislop is also an option around half forward and would also be able to play down back. A player with that versatility should fit right into the Melbourne lineup.
Nathan Brown: Melbourne already have a Nathan Brown, but this is a taller and younger version. While other clubs might have Brown in the backline for Melbourne he might be a chance to first play alongside Neitz up forward and then to replace some of his goals when Neitz retires. Brown would be the quick leading option for Melbourne which would allow Neitz to have the space near goal all to himself.
Brock O’Brien: Melbourne already have a Brock, but while this is a slightly smaller version O'Brien could be as good as McLean in the midfield for Melbourne. Hislop is likely to be ranked very high on teams' lists of midfielders so Melbourne would take him over O'Brien or other onball prospects.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
11. Western Bulldogs: James Sellar
11. Western Bulldogs:
James Sellar. 195cm, 92kg. Tall forward (Glenelg)
The Bulldogs might be even closer to a premiership if they had drafted more talls in the past years, there is no reason for them to go small again as a key position prospect of great potential can be drafted at number 11. Grant is very near the end, and while Sellar would eventually fill some of what he did it could be as a future replacement for Darcy that Sellar really stars. Darcy has been played as a mobile ruckman and as a marking forward for the Bulldogs and Sellar can fill both those roles. Sellar is only a centimetre or two shorter than his fellow South Australian in Darcy.
Eric MacKenzie: If Sellar is not there then MacKenzie should be the pick, and if they want more of a defensive tall then MacKenzie could be taken here even if Sellar is still around. Harris and McKenzie playing in their key defensive spots would be a good combination, and a much bigger backline than the Bulldogs are used to. A big improvement from the days when they asked Croft and Kretiuk to battle the big forwards of the AFL.
Clayton Collard: You never know with the Bulldogs and they could still take a smaller player if one excites them. Collard might be a player that interests them. Collard has the skills that the Bulldogs like in their small players, and in the future Collard could even play up forward like Robbins and Johnson do there.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
10. Collingwood: Brent Renouf
10. Collingwood:
Brent Renouf. 200cm, 93kg. Ruckman/Tall Defender (Southport)
In one pick the Magpies can get a prospect for both the ruck and a tall defensive spot. Fraser needs help, Prestigiacomo needs a future replacement, Renouf has the potential to help at both positions. Collingwood need another ruckman and Renouf would be a better option than Tippett, Tippett is more of a forward and there isn't enough room for him and Rocca in the forward 50 there. Collingwood play very well when Fraser is played in the forward area, but for that to happen the Magpies need someone better as a backup ruckman than they have now. Renouf already has the height, and in a year or two will have the bulk to compete strongly at AFL level, but right now he could help Collingwood with useful minutes off the bench. The Magpies delisted some ruck-sized players and they might have made a decision to take a new ruckman with one of their first rounders.
Nathan Brown: Is in the mix at pick 8 and would again be considered here. The Magpies might prefer Brown to Renouf if they feel a backman is more important than a ruckman, Brown is the more accomplished of the two in the backline.
Daniel Connors: Drafting one midfielder with one of their two early picks makes sense, but two would be unlikely as they do need to add height at Collingwood. But maybe if there are two midfielders they really like they take them both with picks 8 and 10. Connors could help in the midfield, or maybe the Magpies could start him down back for a few years, which means someone like Heath Shaw could go play more on the ball.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
9. St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt
9. St Kilda:
Jack Riewoldt. 193cm, 84kg. Tall Forward (Clarence)
Would be selected to fill a need, not due to his name. A Gehrig replacement is something the Saints will need to find for the future and Jack can do that. They also have some worries with Maguire and his injury and Riewoldt could also help cover that area. The Saints will be thinking they can contend now and a project player won't provide immediate help, Riewoldt has been playing in the VFL and is ready to play AFL. In a few years it could be Riewoldt at full forward, Jack, and Riewoldt at centre half forward, Nick. Or maybe the other way around with Nick in the goalsquare, but more importantly it would be a forward line of great quality.
Tom Hislop: When the Saints new coach talked about the players he needed for his team a lot of the attributes he wanted were things that Hislop possesses. Hislop is a strong onballer who, like Jack Riewoldt, has developed while playing in the VFL for Tasmania. Hislop not only competes for the hard ball but he has some extra size that makes him versatile enough to play in other spots too. Would not be a surprise if the Saints selected him. They lost Peckett and Powell to retirement and the Saints could have an improved lineup with Hislop and Birss taking over for them next season.
James Sellar: A slightly taller option for the Saints than Jack Riewoldt if they want a key position player. The Saints are looking for a young ruckman and while Sellar isn't the tallest at that spot, he is much taller than Blake and around the same height as the departed Ackland. Sellar would provide a different type of versatility compared to a Riewoldt or Brown as Sellar could be able to play as a tall forward and as a ruckman.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
8. Collingwood: Albert Proud
Name the team that John Worsfold, Mil Hanna and Steve Malaxos all played together for.
Leave your answer in the comment section below. Good luck.
The Kangaroos were a top 4 team every season from 1994 to 2000. They managed two premierships during those years, which was a good result, but maybe another successful draft pick during the 1990s could have resulted in another premiership cup or two.
The Kangaroos came away with future premiership players in most drafts during the 1990s, but the 1992 draft had a lot of missed chances and only a couple of good selections, Matthew Capuano at pick 55 and Adrian McAdam at pick 98. Picks 6, 23, 38 and 53 were Robert Pyman, Warren Campbell, David Dighton and Matthew Moon.
Many good players were taken after pick 6, one player that could have been a great asset for the Kangaroo teams of the 1990s was Nick Holland. Hawthorn grabbed Holland at pick 14. The marking power of the Kangaroos during those years was difficult to stop with Carey and McKernan dominant, add Dutchy into that team and it would have been unrivalled aerial supremacy.
Jarrad Schofield went at number 49, Che Cockatoo-Collins was pick 42 and Mathew Rogers went at 37 so the Kangaroos could have found better players with their second and third picks in the draft too.
But it is Holland who would have had the biggest impact on the Kangaroos. In 1998 the Crows kept Carey under control, but if Holland was there as another marking option Adelaide may have struggled to stop both Holland and Carey. That is one Grand Final that could have had a different result. Holland might not have been ready to help the Kangaroos in 1994, who were only a kick from a Grand Final, but he would have been useful in 1995 and 1997 and could have been the extra tall that would have taken them past the Semi-final and into the Grand Final those years.
Holland wasn't able to lead Hawthorn deep into the finals, but if he was playing for the Kangaroos during the 1990s he would have had just as many marks but also a lot more help. The Kangaroos would have had a trio of marking players up forward and would have been even more successful with the addition of Holland than they were just with Carey and McKernan.
Tomorrow: Melbourne Demons
8. Collingwood:
Albert Proud. 179cm, 80kg. Midfielder (Mt.Gravatt)
The Magpies have two great picks in this draft, and three types of players to consider. They need another ruckman, they have some aging key position players and that is something to look at, their third area of concern is the midfield where Buckley, Licuria and Burns are not young. Proud is ready to play and although his quickness is something that the Magpies will be looking at, he does have enough strength to compete at AFL level too. The Magpies could use Proud on a wing or around half forward initially as they need to replace some of the things that the retired Caracella, Morrison and the injured Didak, who will miss a lot of the season, gave them. But Proud would also have a future role in the thick of the action and is a future replacement, and improvement, for someone like O’Bree at Collingwood.
Nathan Brown: They could use this pick to acquire a replacement for Tarrant, and Brown would be another athletic forward who can play beside Rocca in their forward line. Brown also has the versatility to play in the backline and with Prestigiacomo, Wakelin and Clement all veterans a youthful defender is a need. Brown would be a similar player to Clement, in terms of size and speed, and could fill his spot in a couple of year but Brown is also effective defending from the goalsquare and could also replace Prestigiacomo at fullback.
Brent Renouf: The Saints added Gardiner, and seem to be keeping Blake, Brooks and Rix, so Collingwood should be able to get Renouf with their next pick if they want him. Renouf has the potential to fill several spots that Collingwood have problems with so he could be on their list. The important thing for Collingwood to do is to figure out which two players they want at 8 and 10, and then make sure they take the correct player at 8 so the Saints don't ruin their plans with the next pick.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
7. Geelong: Leroy Jetta
7. Geelong:
Leroy Jetta. 175cm, 73kg. Midfielder/Forward (South Fremantle)
Geelong do have a need for pace and Jetta has plenty. They already have Gary Ablett and Chapman who can play in the midfield and also go forward to kick goals and Jetta could join in with this rotation. Jetta would obviously be a different type of player to those two and his speed would be a good compliment to their hardness. Geelong effectively have another first round pick with Tom Hawkins, so taking one highly-rated small player as well as big Hawkins will ensure that Geelong have a balanced draft that brings in players at several positions.
Albert Proud: Proud is another option for Geelong in the midfield. He would be a slightly bigger option than Jetta and might get more of the ball, so with either player the Cats would fill a need. Proud would join a group of youngsters at Geelong who have pace but haven't become regulars at senior level like Byrnes, Stokes and Varcoe. Proud is probably more ready for the AFL than any of them, although all four players might be playing for Geelong in 2007 and that would make the Cats a much quicker team. Jetta or Proud could be the replacement for Peter Riccardi at Kardinia Park.
Jack Riewoldt: While the Cats get Hawkins in the third round they might also pick up another tall with this pick. Riewoldt can play at either end although he seems suited more to the forward line, but at Geelong they might need him in the backline more than up forward. While neither Scarlett or Harley are old, Harley in particular has missed some games with injury. Adding another tall in the backline like Riewoldt would give Geelong more options and depth. While the forward line does look loaded with Hawkins having players like Ottens, the Abletts and Steve Johnson around him, Riewoldt might also have a spot in it. King gets hurt a lot and Ottens might play more in the ruck, Nathan Ablett is tall but may be more suited to a flanking role and not a key position. Drafting another big forward like Riewoldt could give Geelong a player to develop next to Hawkins and they could be a dangerous goalkicking duo for the next decade.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
6. Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
6. Hawthorn:
Mitchell Thorp. 195cm, 85kg. Key Position Player/Midfielder (Northern Bombers)
The Hawks are going to have a Tasmanian home ground advantage for the next few years and they can please those fans by adding some more talent from there. Thorp probably starts at full back for Hawthorn, but they could also try him in many other spots. An onball group that included Thorp, Hodge and Mitchell would have plenty of strength. Hawthorn might consider another midfielder with this pick or a key position player, drafting Thorp might mean they can cover both areas.
Jack Riewoldt: The Hawks may want to pick a player they could put at full forward next season and Riewoldt could do that for them. While Riewoldt is also a defensive option, his best spot might be up forward as a big-marking player. With a bit more bulk, his ability to crash into the packs could give the forward line something extra, and a compliment to the smaller Williams and the uniquely-skilled Franklin. Like Thorp, Riewoldt has been starring in Tasmania and with Hawthorn playing games there for the next few years it makes sense to add a player from the region.
Nathan Brown: Another option for a key position pick. The Hawks haven't settled on a regular full forward or full back and Brown could play either spot. A forward line of Franklin, Williams and Brown would have plenty of speed. Or Hawthorn could put Brown down back along with Roughead, Jacobs or Croad and they would have enough talls to cover most opposition teams. For what Hawthorn could be looking for, Thorp would be rated higher than Brown for their full back spot while Riewoldt might give them something extra compared to Brown at full forward. But Nathan Brown will also be considered, and his brother might also be an option for Hawthorn with their next selection.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
5. Port Adelaide: Matthew Leuenberger
5. Port Adelaide:
Matthew Leuenberger. 203cm, 93kg. Ruckman (East Perth)
The Power could be a good spot for Leuenberger to land in the draft. Playing behind Lade and Brogan for a year or two would ease the pressure on him and he could also learn from his experienced teammates. He might also get some time in the forward line for the Power and would give the Power another dimension there playing with Tredrea, Ebert, Mahoney and White. The Power introduced some exciting young players last season and with no big need for this draft the best player available is the way to go, if Leuenberger has not been picked then he is the best available. Drafting a ruckman often means a team waits a bit more than for smaller players, the Power and more specifically their coach are in a position to do this, but with Leuenberger the development time might be a lot shorter than for other young ruckmen.
James Sellar: Sellar is local, is a very good player and the Power could use a player like him around centre half forward. Plenty of reasons why the Power would take him. But if they have Leuenberger available then logically they take the higher-rated player, which for most would be the big WA ruckman. Tredrea hasn't been the healthiest player on the Power's list so another big forward is a requirement. The Power would have seen a bit more of Sellar than other teams, and they might also think he could become a ruckmen at AFL level as well as a forward.
Mitchell Thorp: The Power might see Thorp as a future midfielder, or full forward, instead of as a backman. Size in the midfield would help as the Power have many quick, but small, onballers like Pearce. Up forward Thorp could be a leading option which would let Tredrea stay closer to goal, and in the backline the Power lose Bishop and Thorp could cover that loss. A team that doesn't have one specific need, like the Power, could take Thorp in the draft as they would know that he could fill whatever role they found for him.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
4. Brisbane Lions: Joel Selwood
If AFL fans want an omen bet for the biggest of race meetings then there are plenty of option. By the colours or by the names, there are horses in many races to look at.
In the Melbourne Cup it could be a day for the black and white. The return on an investment on Railings, Art Success or Headturner would be big if any of those horses in Collingwood colours managed a place. The Bulldogs fans will like the colours for Glistening and Dolphin Jo, but again the odds are huge. Mahtoum looks like an Adelaide Crow, but its 150 to 1 odds are nowhere near the Crows odds for the premiership next season.
Yeats is in all blue, Land 'N Stars is all purple, while Geordieland has a lot of yellow and black. The maroon of the Lions is worn by On A Jeune.
Other races during the day also have interesting names to watch. You have to feel bad for the horse called Jose Amigo who is only an emergency for race 8, the same thing happened in the football to Jose Romero. The Eagles supporters would have noticed an emergency in race 2, Flag Raiser.
Running in race 1 the Geelong fans have Cat Flap, and maybe the Carlton fans would identify with Hoping.
Saints fans have Don Raphael and The Bavarian in race 3.
Race 4 is for the Eagles and Speedy Rossa, and in race 5 the Crows can support Aadelaidee. Race 6 is for those who think Sydney is hot, number 6 Flame Of Sydney.
Not football names in any way, but The Penski File in race 5 is something you should be aware of. Race 8 is not the Ritzenhoff, that is the name of race 2, but Hassle is running in it.
At Randwick tomorrow, Byron's fans will like Picket Fence in the last race. Jet Hawk in race 7 is for Hawthorn fans, Lord Angus in race 3 is for the Bombers and the Hawks also have Bailey Boy in race 4.
Skilton at Echuca tomorrow is a must for Swans supporters. At Doomben there is Prince Leo in race 1 for the Swans and Young Lion in the last race for Brisbane supporters.
Harness racing tonight has something for the female fans of Richmond, race 2 Richmond Lady.
For the greyhounds there is a good chance at Cranbourne in race 5, Buddy. Dr Darcy is in race 7 and is competing against Woodspoon Bomber.
The best International Rules team may not be Australia, or Ireland, it might actually be the Sydney Swans. Hall, Davis and O'Keefe were the leading scorers as Australia won the second Test as well as the series. But Ireland's Tadhg Kennelly was injured and had little influence on the game.
Click here for a match report from Ireland's GAA.
Hawthorn have been able to find star player from every state in Australia. They have also been one of the best at scouting talent in Tasmania, but they missed a player in one of the very first drafts. The ironic thing is that the team he was playing for was called the Hawks, the Burnie Hawks. The player was Brendon Gale.
In 1987 the Hawks drafted Grant Williams and Damien Trezise with picks 12 and 25. Gale would be taken by the Tigers with pick 27. Hawthorn then took John Polkinghorne, Anthony Dessent and Peter Nunn with their remaining selections.
In the very first AFL draft the Hawks did find a future star from Tasmania. Darrin Pritchard was drafted by Hawthorn at pick 26 in 1986. Pritchard would play over 200 games and help Hawthorn to several Grand Final wins.
Brendon Gale played his first game in 1990. That was the year that broke the Hawks' streak of 7 consecutive Grand Final games. Hawhtorn would win again in 1991 but then experience a big slip to 6th spot the next two seasons. During those years the Hawks would lose several of their key players to retirement and would also have players that were not as effective as they once were.
Brereton was a player who had injuries take away from his ability to dominate. The Hawks expected Paul Dear and Stephen Lawrence to become future stars but they never got to the level that their 1991 Grand Final games showed was possible. Gale would have been a player who could play centre half forward or in the ruck for Hawthorn.
Over the next few seasons the Hawks would still have Dunstall, Langford, Platten, Jarman and Allan on their team and another big body like Gale might have kept them playing deep into September for 1992 and for several more years. The Hawks would reload with Holland, Graham and Crawford at that time so they would have been very competitive.
The Hawks could have drafted a Hawk in 1987, continued their success with Tasmanian player recruitment as well as their success in Grand Finals. While one player may not have kept the Hawks as dominating as they were, the addition of Gale at that time would have solved several problems for Hawthorn. Maybe Brereton's time at Hawthorn, and his fitness, would have been extended with Gale taking some of the load. Hawthorn would have also been much stronger in the ruck then with Gale and Lawrence, instead of teaming Lawrence with players like Crawshay and Jason Taylor.
Of course, Hawthorn and Tasmania will always be linked due to Peter Hudson. The Hawks are very much a part of Tasmanian football once more as they will play many home games there over the next few years, and they might even tap into the football talent there again in the draft with one of Thorp, Riewoldt or Hislop a chance to be taken in the National Draft. But one more Tasmanian player, Brendon Gale, might have changed things for the Hawks in the early to mid 90s.
Tomorrow: The Kangaroos
4. Brisbane:
Joel Selwood. 184cm, 80kg. Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers)
They can't replace Voss but adding another Selwood would be a good start. The Lions need immediate help and Selwood could have played AFL last season if the rules allowed it so he is ready for 2007. Like Marc Murphy last draft, Selwood has "Future AFL Captain" potential. The Lions had a great run when they brought the Scott brothers together, but with two Selwoods on their list the Lions might also think they could be like Essendon of the past with the Danihers and the Lions could potentially have four Selwoods. But that is too far in the future to think about now, but Joel and Troy would be a good start. Voss had 22 possessions a game last season, J Selwood would be expected to have similar numbers next season. Selwood is the higest-rated midfielder available so it makes sense for Brisbane to take him if that is the position they want to address with this pick.
Mitchell Thorp: Would fill a hole in the backline and has some extra skills that could eventually make him a midfielder with great size. Thorp has already played VFL and would be ready to replace Mal Michael or Justin Leppitsch in the Lions backline. Brisbane would also have the option of playing someone like Bradshaw back and teaming Thorp with Brown in the forward line. If the Lions want to go tall at pick 4, then a key position like Thorp is a much greater need than Leuenberger for the ruck as the Lions do have Charman and Wood for that position.
Albert Proud: A local player being taken at pick 4 is a bit of a reach, but there is plenty of logic behind it. One important point is that by the time that Brisbane pick again it is likely that several Queensland players will have been selected, so if they really want a specific local they will have to use this pick. There are a few midfielders from Queensland that Brisbane could take here, Proud could be the highest on their list. Proud already has a following in Queensland among football fans so if Brisbane draft him they will keep their fans happy. A midfield of Proud, Moody, T Selwood, Rischitelli, Sherman and Stiller would have a lot of talented youth that would eventually take over from Black and Power.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
3. Kangaroos:
Lachlan Hansen. 195cm, 92kg. Key Position Player (Gippsland Power)
The Kangaroos need midfield help but they could also add that one more star tall that they require, a player that can change a game with their marking and size. A backline with Hansen, the much improved Petrie and also Watt would be a strength for the Kangaroos. Hansen would also be an option up forward with Thompson, with Thompson closer to the goalsquare and Hansen further up the field. The Kangaroos will be able to get a quality midfielder with their next pick, so taking whoever Essendon doesn't out of Gumbleton and Hansen might be the thing to do. But if Essendon let both of those big prospects through to the Kangaroos pick, then taking Hansen over Gumbleton could be what the Kangaroos' plan is.
Joel Selwood: If they think they need help now in the midfield then Selwood, if available, is the pick. Simpson, Harvey and Grant are towards the end of their careers, the Kangaroos might want to find someone to fill that future need with this pick. But not only would Selwood be a player for the future but he can play right away too. The Kangaroos need to start winning and drafting someone who has the physical build and the developed skills to play in round 1 would be the right thing to do.
Leroy Jetta: A different type of midfielder to Selwood, and the Kangaroos do need to find some quicker players so there is a spot for Jetta. Jetta would also play up forward and the Kangaroos need some smaller, quicker options in the forward line. If the Kangaroos do take Jetta he could be second on their goalkicking list next season. In season 2006 the next best goalkickers after Thompson were Corey Jones and Leigh Harding with 22 each, Jetta would be guaranteed to surpass that. Jetta is also the type of player that will excite fans and bring them to games, this is something the Kangaroos will need to bring in fans for their Queensland home games. Of all the teams in the draft, the Kangaroos have the biggest need of finding a player who can "sell tickets". Hansen could be that player, but Jetta is an excitement machine who would be a crowd favourite.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
2. Essendon:
Scott Gumbleton. 197cm, 93kg. Key Position Player (Peel Thunder)
The Bombers would prefer someone who could help them next year and Sheedy always likes the versatile players that he can throw into different positions. This is going to be a difficult choice for Essendon to make as they have plenty of options, but Gumbleton has already played at senior level and has shown the versatility that the Bombers will like. Gumbleton has been played in most key positions and there have also been games in WA where he has been switched into the ruck and had an impact. McPhee is staying, and they have the young Bradley and the old Fletcher, so if they play Gumbleton down back too the Bombers would have a very strong group of tall defenders. But in a couple of years Gumbleton could be Essendon's centre half forward, replacing Lucas. This ability to play down either end, as well as the ruck too, could make him the second pick in the draft.
Lachlan Hansen: The slightly smaller, but more athletic and Victorian option for the Bombers if they want a key position prospect. Hansen or Gumbleton, the Bombers can't lose with either pick. The Bombers have taken WA talls in the recent drafts so this could continue with Gumbleton, or they may go local with Hansen. The choice between Hansen and Gumbleton will be big news on draft day but for the Bombers they know Gumbleton has shown he can play in the ruck which is something that Hansen is not suited to. A small midfielder is another option for Essendon at pick 2 but with their history of getting the best talls early in drafts, and the quality available in 2006, it is probably tall again. They can always get solid midfielder prospects at picks 18 and 20 if they go big at number 2.
Matthew Leuenberger: Where Leuenberger goes is one of the biggest things to watch in the draft. In 5 years time he could be the best player from 2007, but other players picked will contribute more right away. If Essendon think they need help now then it won't be Leuenberger that they pick. The Bombers will want Leuenberger, but a key position player to develop could be the right move as they have enough ruck depth with Hille, Laycock and Ryder. But none of this may be important if Carlton go with Leuenberger at number 1, as Gibbs would go to Essendon at number 2.
1. Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
There are plenty of AFL DVDs and videos to keep fans occupied for the next few months. One DVD you might see in a bargain bin is Classical Footy Volume 1.
If you want to see highlights of marks, bumps and hits then this is a good DVD. But there is no commentary, the only sound is an orchestra playing the tunes of centuries ago. So the mute button is an option, or you could press fast forward. Not only do the physical clashes look even more impressive on the x2 setting but the music also has an increased tempo. But the music isn't really that bad anyway.
(picture by aflinsider.net)
If you like classical music, but not football, then just listen and don't watch. Some fans like both and this DVD will fill the niche market of footy fans who like their operatic numbers too, this is called the Demetriou Demographic.
While it is an odd combination, the hardness of the AFL with the classical music, there is a lot of great footage that is fun to watch. Most of the "classic" hits are there, even a brief look at Derek Kickett when he played the Bombers for the first time after joining Sydney, but there are also many highlights of Essendon players over the year connecting with their opponents too. While there did seem to be a lot of Bomber highlights, this is due to the way they played in the 1980s and 90s, all teams are represented with goals, hits, marks and bumps.
It's been over 40 years since Geelong won so they have made more than a few mistakes. They were practically given the top pick in the 1990 draft, trading Shane Hamilton and David Cameron for it, but then Geelong drafted Stephen Hooper. In 1989 the Cats traded picks 13, 27 and 41 for Trevor Poole and Gary Keane when they could have drafted Ben Allan, who went at pick 14, Shaun Hart, picked at number 33, and Mathew Robran who was taken at pick 42.
If Geelong had drafted a star in either of those drafts it might have helped them during their three Grand Finals in the 1990s. Geelong also missed with their first three selections in the 1993 draft, and if they had picked a different Murray Bushranger prospect that year they could have had a player to help them in 1994 or 1995 and the player would still be a big star today.
In 1993 the Cats went with David Ugrinic at pick 13. For their next pick they chose Paul Lewis of the Murray Bushrangers. If only they had gone with Lewis' teammate with their first selection, Fraser Gehrig was available when Geelong picked at number 13. The Eagles used number 16 to take Gehrig.
Gehrig didn't play for a loaded Eagles team in 1994 and may not have debuted with Geelong that year either. But he would have been ready to play in 1995. Geelong could have played Colbert on one wing and Gehrig on another, or Gehrig could have been an extra tall defender for the Cats. When Gehrig was young he played all over the ground, and wherever Geelong played him he could have made a difference. Maybe his addition could have changed the result for Geelong in 1994 or 1995, but even if he was too young then he would have been a big player for Geelong in 2005.
Gehrig in the goalsquare for Geelong, instead of Kingsley, and the Cats might have made it to the Grand Final in 2005. The Cats have been looking for a full forward ever since the original Ablett retired, if they had Gehrig then they would have had the player who could step in and fill the role.
While a lot of the Geelong team has been recruited using the father/son rule, another big contributor to their list is the Murray Bushrangers. Paul Lewis was their first pick from the Bushrangers, and in the following years they also drafted Steven King, Adam Houlihan, Joel McKay, Steven Johnson, Kane Tenace and Shannon Byrnes from them.
The Cats scouted Gehrig's team in 1993, but they picked one of his teammates and not him. Gehrig and Geelong would have been a perfect fit if the Cats had drafted him.
Tomorrow: Hawthorn Hawks
ROUND 1
1. Carlton:
Bryce Gibbs. 188cm, 79kg. Midfielder (Glenelg)
The Blues have probably made their choice but everyone else will have to wait a few more weeks. The media experts say it is Gibbs and there are plenty of reasons why he will be the first name called. He has been playing plenty of senior football and will be one of Carlton's best players as soon as he takes the field in 2007. Carlton have also seen him play at Princes Park, during the 2006 Under 18 games, and they would have been impressed by how much he had the ball and how well he used it. The Kernahan link to his family goes close to sealing the pick, and as Kernahan proved as a player not all South Australians will go back and play for the Crows. If Carlton are going with the popular pick then Gibbs is their player.
Matthew Leuenberger: The constant "Need vs BPA" draft dilemma, the big need is a star ruckman with size while most consider Gibbs to be the BPA, best player available. Ackland and McLaren can compete in the ruck and also drift forward to kick a goal, but Leuenberger has the size and potential to be a player that dominates his position and also the overall game. Leuenberger also has publicly said that Melbourne, and in particular Carlton, is a favourable destination for him. Carlton will look at their list of very young players which includes Murphy, Kennedy, Bentick, Betts, Blackwell and Walker and they will see a big hole in the ruck spot. Maybe they fix that with this pick, or hope a later pick in this draft is the answer or go big in the 2007 draft.
Joel Selwood: There are a lot of things to like for a team drafting Selwood. Not only do they get a future star, but they also get the chance to reunite the brothers in the future. This will possibly increase his value to a Victorian club. Carlton would have Selwood behind Gibbs in their rankings in several areas, but Selwood is above him in leadership ability and there won't be the "going home" factor to worry about. If Carlton think the other possible picks might not stay for their entire careers then Selwood is a "safe pick" for them, and if he wasn't injured this season he might have been the consensus number 1 pick anyway.
Leading up to the 2006 AFL National Draft will be this mock draft that not only guesses at a selection but also provides a couple of other possibilities. Some of the reasoning behind the picks that could influence who the teams select is also included. Every day there will be another couple of picks posted.
When starting a new team it is hard to be patient, as teams need wins to please their fans and sponsors and they won't get those with a youthful squad. The Dockers did a lot of trading in 1997. They acquired Adrian Fletcher and Chris Bond who helped them for several years but it also cost them picks 5 and 2, pick 2 had previously been acquired in the Jeff White trade with Melbourne.
Pick 2 was Ottens and pick 5 was Luke Power. They are still in the league while Bond and Fletcher retired long ago. While Ottens has had a very up and down career, Power has been a contributor to the Lions' success all through his career.
The Dockers traded their future in 1997 so they could help the team they had then. Not the best idea but understandable at the time. It also shows how the draft and the value of picks has changed since then, as Fremantle traded two top 5 picks for veteran onballers Fletcher and Bond in 1997 and in the 2006 trading period they got a better, and bigger, player in Chris Tarrant for a lower pick than those. Fletcher at the time was a journeyman midfielder who had already played for Geelong, St Kilda and Brisbane and Bond also had played for a couple of teams. So Tarrant, who was All-Australian not too long ago, is a much better player at a slightly cheaper trade cost.
Fremantle could have used a player like Power in 2006 who can kick goals and accumulate plenty of disposals in the midfield. As he has shown with Brisbane, Power is a performer in September and that is something the Dockers needed against Sydney.
If the Dockers did keep pick 5, and draft Luke Power, then they might have that extra veteran midfielder that they need now. Ten years ago the Dockers were not one game away from the Grand Final like they are now, and if they could change things they would now prefer to have the benefits of keeping pick 5 than the short-term gains from the trade.
Tomorrow: Geelong Cats
Nothing went wrong with season 1993 for the Bombers, except the draft. Robert Stevenson, Scott Mollard and Julian Kirzner were the players the Bombers selected and they did not do a lot. A better draft in 1993 and the Bombers would not have had the big drop-off they endured in 1994, and they could have been back in a Grand Final for 1995 or 1996.
The Bombers first draft pick in 1993 was number 19, their last pick was number 36. Mark Stevens and Paul Barnard went to other teams between those picks, Stevens would win with the Crows while Barnard would get to Essendon later in his career and play in the 2000 win. But even after pick 36 there was value in the draft, and 10 picks after Essendon took Kirzner, North Melbourne drafted David King.
King was a star in the VFA for Port Melbourne and stepped right into the Kangaroos side the year after he was drafted. Essendon needed someone to replace Grenvold and Thompson at half back and King would have been perfect. King would play in three Grand Finals for the Kangaroos.
Essendon, throughout the history of the AFL drafts, have been one of the better teams at identifying prospects. They usually find a star in most drafts but 1993 was one that they failed in. If they had found that extra star player it could have kept them up the top of the AFL and the 1993 win could have been the start of a run of Grand Finals during that time.
Tomorrow: Fremantle Dockers
By Team, By The Colours
Adelaide
Race 4, Number 2 De Lago Mist
Brisbane
Race 9, Number 6 Camp Kalani
Carlton
Race 7, Number 6 Imperial Stride
Collingwood
Race 2, Number 5 Vanguished
Essendon
Race 7, Number 3 Desert War
Fremantle
Race 3, Number 5 Green Birdie
Geelong
Race 5, Number 3 Seachange
Hawthorn
Race 9, Number 7 Amerryking
Kangaroos
Race 2, Number 14 Loanhead and Race 9, Number 3 Live In Vain
Melbourne
Race 6, Number 11 Ankh Morpork
Port Adelaide
Race 2, Number 11 Dracs Back
Richmond
Race 1, Number 10 Bodgie
St Kilda
Race 6, Number 15 Grand Destiny and Number 16 Majestical
Sydney
Race 8, Number 14 Magnus
West Coast
Race 8, Number 10 Natural Destiny
Western Bulldogs
Race 4, Number 13 Pintaka
The Power supporters will like Dracs Back, with the lighting bolt on the shirt. Richmond fans have plenty of yellow and black, and Delidio is in the Derby but the horse's odds look similar to the player Delidio's odds for the Coleman medal. While Vanguished is perfect for Collingwood fans, they also have their colours on other aptly-named horses including The One.
At Rosehill tomorrow, De Jetcat in race 1 is something for Geelong fans who want to draft Leroy Jetta. Race 2's Delta Eagle is there for West Coast fans. If you like Goldspink, then Hipster Doofus in race 7 might be a good omen bet.
Collingwood supporters can watch the harness racing tonight from Shepparton with Sir Rocalot in race 6. Race 3's Scotland The Brave is the favourite with the odds and possibly with Carlton fans.
Eagle Farm tomorrow has something for Hawthorn fans, King Xavier in race 3.
Mooney Valley tonight has something for the board of Carlton, in race 4 it is Yes Denis. While race 5 has a reason for Ricciuto's great powers, with Nuclear Roo.
Western Bulldogs
St Kilda
Geelong
Hawthorn
Melbourne
Richmond
Collingwood
Essendon
Kangaroos
Carlton
Post a comment and say which Victorian team will be getting to a Grand Final in the future.
2003 was the last time a Victorian team played in the AFL Grand Final, 2000 was the last all-Victorian Grand Final. Leave a comment with your prediction for the next Victorian team to reach the last Saturday in September.
The 1990 premiership was setup with some good drafts. A couple of star South Australians in one draft, Russell and Francis, and a Tasmanian star in another draft, Wright. The Magpies had the scouting ability to find players interstate, but they missed one in 1989. The Magpies used pick 10 on Daryl Groves, Essendon drafted Gavin Wanganeen at pick 12.
This isn't a case of a team with poor talent identification, the Magpies were one of the best at that time at finding the stars outside of Victoria. This was just a player that they missed. They did select Troy Lehmann of North Adelaide at pick 82 in the 1989 draft, so they did find one player from South Australia in 1989. Lehmann would end up being part of the trade for Buckley, so what a team Collingwood could have had with both Gavin and Nathan. They also drafted Paul Williams at pick 70, continuing their successful scouting of Tasmania.
It is difficult to imagine Wanganeen at Collingwood but he would have been a valuable addition to them if he had joined Collingwood and not Essendon in 1991. Wanganeen would have left the SANFL Grand Final winning Magpies, and joined the AFL Grand Final winning Magpies.
The Magpies would have been improved with Wanganeen rebounding out of defense. While Christian, Gayfer, Kerrison and Kelly were very solid backmen, one thing the Magpies needed at that time was a quick defender.
Collingwood were very good at selecting players in the very first AFL drafts. But they missed Wanganeen and that could have been the player Collingwood needed for getting back into Grand Finals during the 1990s.
Tomorrow: Essendon Bombers
Adelaide
Departures:
Delisted: Ben Hart, Hayden Skipworth, Chad Gibson, Alan Obst
Retired: Matthew Clarke
Arrivals:
None.
No real surprises here. Skipworth should find a new AFL club, while Hart also is a chance.
Brisbane
Departures:
Delisted: Clark Keating, Jayden Attard
Retired: Justin Leppitsch, Mal Michael, Brad Scott
Traded: Jason Akermanis
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Jason Roe, Cheynee Stiller, Scott Harding
The Lions' rookie players deserve their elevation to the senior list and should play a lot next season. Keating hasn't found a new team yet but he should be a wanted player in the preseason draft.
Carlton
Departures:
Delisted: Cory McGrath, Troy Longmuir, Trent Sporn, Callum Chambers, Justin Davies, Ian Prendergast, Luke Livingston
Retired: Barnaby French
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Craig Flint
They delisted quite a few players, but could have gone even further. Didn't sign any father/son players but Williams and/or Johnston could be a late pick in the national draft. The Blues' delisted players may not find new AFL teams, but there was some talk of Sporn and Adelaide and McGrath might be an option for the Lions. While not an official acquisition, Cain Ackland has been announced as Carlton's pick in the preseason draft.
Collingwood
Departures:
Delisted: Cameron Cloke, Jason Cloke, David Fanning, Adam Iacobucci, Julian Rowe, Brent Hall
Retired: Blake Caracella, Chad Morrison
Traded: Chris Tarrant
Arrivals:
Traded for: Paul Medhurst
Rookie promotion: Harry O’Brien, Alan Toovey, Shannon Cox
O'Brien finally gets his senior spot. He should be a solid player for Collingwood for many seasons to come. The Magpies delisted several ruck players so they might be looking at a ruckmen with their early draft picks in the national draft. Both the Clokes could be taken in the upcoming drafts.
Essendon
Departures:
Delisted: Tristan Cartledge, Joel Reynolds, Adam Ramanuskas, Austin Lucy
Retired: Dean Rioli
Traded: Dean Solomon
Arrivals:
None
Essendon didn't really do a lot, which is a surprise. They could possibly delist another player or two and they also can concentrate on a preseason draft player as Carlton have made an agreement with Ackland already. McPhee has signed a new contract with Essendon so that is some good news.
Fremantle
Departures:
Delisted: Daniel Haines, Michael Warren, Benet Copping
Retired: Jarrad Schofield
Traded: Graham Polak, Paul Medhurst
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Paul Duffield
Traded for: Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon
They were busy during trade week and are looking to next season more than the drafts. Tarrant and Solomon will help next season a lot more than a draft pick would anyway. But even with trading away some picks the Dockers still added a young talent to their senior list with Duffield being promoted.
Geelong
Departures:
Delisted: Kent Kingsley, Matthew McCarthy, Paul Koulouriotis
Retired: Peter Riccardi
Arrivals:
Father/son pick: Tom Hawkins
Rookie promotion: Sam Hunt
Hawkins officially on the team is the best news Geelong have had in a long time. The Cats didn't make many changes though so apart from Hawkins addition they go into next season with the same players and the same coach.
Hawthorn
Departures:
Delisted: Josh Thurgood, Harry Miller, Luke Brennan, Nick Ries, Matthew Ball
Retired: John Barker
Traded: Peter Everitt
Arrivals:
Father/son pick: Josh Kennedy
Rookie promotion: Stephen Gilham, Ben McGlynn
The Hawks have another Kennedy, and they always had great success when a Kennedy was at Hawthorn. The Hawks have some players who may be recycled, Thurgood has some teams interested and Miller could possibly go to a South Australian team.
Kangaroos
Departures:
Delisted: Troy Makepeace, Chad Jones, Cameron Thurley, Mark Powell
Retired: Saverio Rocca, Jade Rawlings
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Ed Lower, Scott McMahon, Djaran Whyman
Maybe Troy needed to make peace with his coach, but he should be confident at finding a new AFL team. Makepeace could be a good addition to a contending team that needs to add depth.
Melbourne
Departures:
Delisted: Shannon Motlop, Phillip Read, Nick Smith
Retired: Alistair Nicholson
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Matthew Warnock
Not a lot happening with the Demons. Warnock has solid size but Melbourne have other options ahead of him so he won't play a lot. Motlop may get another AFL chance but it is unlikely.
Port Adelaide
Departures:
Delisted: Matthew Bishop, James Ezard, Aaron Shattock, Peter Walsh, Elijah Ware, Ben Eckermann
Retired: Gavin Wanganeen, Josh Francou, Adam Kingsley
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Tom Logan, Greg Bentley
The Power will have plenty of draft picks with all their retirements and delistings. Their rookie players they promoted are also capable AFL players and will play a lot next season.
Richmond
Departures:
Delisted: Andrew Kellaway, Thomas Roach, David Rodan, Dean Limbach
Retired: Mark Chaffey, Greg Stafford
Arrivals:
Traded for: Graham Polak
Kane Johnson told everyone what was happening but now it is official. But Kellaway, Roach and Rodan all have something to offer. Kellaway especially should be a player with a new team next season.
St Kilda
Departures:
Delisted: Cain Ackland, Mark McGough, Matthew Ferguson, Allan Murray
Retired: Stephen Powell, Justin Peckett
Arrivals:
Traded for: Michael Gardiner, Shane Birss
Their new coach didn't have a lot of time to make changes, but Lyon did well during trade week. There were only 3 real delistings, with Ackland leaving to join Carlton, so a lot of players at the Saints are being given another chance by Lyon. McGough is still young and a third AFL team is still a possibility for him.
Sydney Swans
Departures:
Delisted: David Spriggs, Andrew Erickson, Earl Shaw, Matthew Davis, Josh Willoughby
Retired: Paul Williams, Paul Chambers
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Simon Phillips, Jonathan Simpkin
Traded for: Peter Everitt
While the Swans did get Everitt they also lost three much younger ruck prospects. Phillips is a real little guy who has already played senior football for Sydney and he is now on their senior list. Spriggs was delisted but he can still play.
West Coast Eagles
Departures:
Delisted: Travis Gaspar, Damien Adkins, Brad Smith
Retired: Drew Banfield, Phillip Matera
Traded: Michael Gardiner, Andrew McDougall
Arrivals:
Rookie promotion: Matthew Priddis, Steven Armstrong
The rich get richer as not only is Armstrong a Grand Final winner but Priddis is also a great talent. Gaspar might be a player that draws interest from other teams.
Western Bulldogs
Departures:
Delisted: Brad Murphy, Adam Morgan, Keiren McGuinness, Jesse Wells
Retired: Rohan Smith
Traded: Shane Birss
Arrivals:
Traded for: Jason Akermanis, Andrew McDougall
They added Akermanis to help in September and also brought in a big forward. The Bulldogs didn't make many other changes, except for Smith retiring, and they should be a powerful team next season.
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