2007 AFL Mock Draft Preview - Picks 11 to 15
11 Sydney: Tom Collier (192cm, 86kg)
The Swans are in an interesting situation, they might still have a year or two as a contender before some of their big stars retire, so they might trade for another veteran or could keep their pick but add someone who can make an impact right away. Collier has senior experience at VFL level, and can step right into the lineup with his new AFL club in round 1.
If Kennelly and Malceski are used more in the middle of the ground by Sydney, Collier could take a spot in the back line. Collier is a very versatile defender so he can play on nearly any type of forward, and if he is asked to he can also attack from the back, so at the Swans he would be very similar to Barry and C Bolton, and even a bit taller than those two.
Collier also has shown he can play in the middle of the action, so if Sydney used Collier and Goodes in the middle they would have a lot of size.
12 Hawthorn: Scott Selwood (184cm, 81kg)
He is famous, and he hasn't even played a game yet. As Hulk Hogan used to say, "Brother, Brother, Brother".
Brisbane could have taken Joel with a very high pick last year, they didn't then so it is unlikely that they will take Scott this time in the first round, although there is the chance that he lasts until their second rounder. The Eagles could see Scott Selwood as the type of player who could eventually take over from Wirrpanda as a leader in the back line, so he might go at pick 13. The Cats have the last pick of the first round, Scott would make sense for them too.
The Hawks have a lot of young talent, especially in the talls department, so a small midfielder/defender would be something they look at. Vandenberg and Smith are gone, so there could be a spot at Hawthorn for Selwood in the back half or as a defensive midfield player.
13 West Coast: Cyril Rioli (178cm, 74kg)
At the start of the season, with Essendon putting a few wins together, it looked like Rioli would probably be a Bomber in 2008 with Sheedy as his coach. Things have changed since then, but Rioli is still going to be one of the big stories of the AFL draft.
The Eagles will probably have at least one more first round pick to use, from the Judd trade, as well as their own pick here. They wouldn't want to take Rioli at pick 3 but at 13 he is good value. A very skilful player, Rioli would find a spot on the team next season as a small forward and occasional midfielder.
West Coast need more options up forward, right now they have Lynch and if he isn't kicking goals their only hope is if Hunter goes forward. Rioli can be a crumbing forward like Tony Evans or could also be used as a quick but small full forward like Phil Matera.
14 Collingwood: Jack Grimes (187cm, 76kg)
Buckley and Burns should be back next season, maybe Licuria is too, but the Magpies know they need to add some youth to the midfield. Grimes has size for the position, a very good understanding of the game and leadership qualities.
Dale Thomas is all about skills, Pendlebury is defined by his athleticism, Grimes would bring determination and football smarts, giving Collingwood three young stars who compliment each other and form a great team.
The Magpies also need to draft at least one ruckman, and while there will be a few options for that spot here it might be better if they use their second round pick on a ruckman and add a quality smaller player in the first round. That could change if the Magpies find a ruck prospect that they really want, and looking at all the recent success they have had in the draft, there won't be many questioning their choice.
15 Kangaroos: Addam Maric (179cm, 80kg)
They will have to replace Shannon Grant in a few years, and Maric might be his clone. A small player who can have a big impact in the forward line, Maric doesn't miss very often when he has a shot for goal.
The Kangaroos will have to figure out a new structure for their forward line in 2008. With Thompson returning from injury, and an improvement from Hansen, they could have more size to use. With Hale and Petrie too, as well as the marking ability of Edwards and Jones, there will need to be skilful small players around to make the forward line function. Maric should not only score a few goals for the Kangaroos if they draft him but he should also assist in many more.
The Kangaroos have not had a lot of success in recent times with trading high draft picks for veteran players, but this year it could be a good time to try it again. If they believe that they were very close to getting to a Grand Final, they might want to add the extra player or two via a trade who can take them that next step in 2008. The Kangaroos could also trade for veteran help by sending out one of their young talls, like Brad Moran or Hansen.
2007 AFL Mock Draft Preview - Picks 6 to 10
2007 AFL Mock Draft Preview - Picks 16 to 20
The Swans are in an interesting situation, they might still have a year or two as a contender before some of their big stars retire, so they might trade for another veteran or could keep their pick but add someone who can make an impact right away. Collier has senior experience at VFL level, and can step right into the lineup with his new AFL club in round 1.
If Kennelly and Malceski are used more in the middle of the ground by Sydney, Collier could take a spot in the back line. Collier is a very versatile defender so he can play on nearly any type of forward, and if he is asked to he can also attack from the back, so at the Swans he would be very similar to Barry and C Bolton, and even a bit taller than those two.
Collier also has shown he can play in the middle of the action, so if Sydney used Collier and Goodes in the middle they would have a lot of size.
12 Hawthorn: Scott Selwood (184cm, 81kg)
He is famous, and he hasn't even played a game yet. As Hulk Hogan used to say, "Brother, Brother, Brother".
Brisbane could have taken Joel with a very high pick last year, they didn't then so it is unlikely that they will take Scott this time in the first round, although there is the chance that he lasts until their second rounder. The Eagles could see Scott Selwood as the type of player who could eventually take over from Wirrpanda as a leader in the back line, so he might go at pick 13. The Cats have the last pick of the first round, Scott would make sense for them too.
The Hawks have a lot of young talent, especially in the talls department, so a small midfielder/defender would be something they look at. Vandenberg and Smith are gone, so there could be a spot at Hawthorn for Selwood in the back half or as a defensive midfield player.
13 West Coast: Cyril Rioli (178cm, 74kg)
At the start of the season, with Essendon putting a few wins together, it looked like Rioli would probably be a Bomber in 2008 with Sheedy as his coach. Things have changed since then, but Rioli is still going to be one of the big stories of the AFL draft.
The Eagles will probably have at least one more first round pick to use, from the Judd trade, as well as their own pick here. They wouldn't want to take Rioli at pick 3 but at 13 he is good value. A very skilful player, Rioli would find a spot on the team next season as a small forward and occasional midfielder.
West Coast need more options up forward, right now they have Lynch and if he isn't kicking goals their only hope is if Hunter goes forward. Rioli can be a crumbing forward like Tony Evans or could also be used as a quick but small full forward like Phil Matera.
14 Collingwood: Jack Grimes (187cm, 76kg)
Buckley and Burns should be back next season, maybe Licuria is too, but the Magpies know they need to add some youth to the midfield. Grimes has size for the position, a very good understanding of the game and leadership qualities.
Dale Thomas is all about skills, Pendlebury is defined by his athleticism, Grimes would bring determination and football smarts, giving Collingwood three young stars who compliment each other and form a great team.
The Magpies also need to draft at least one ruckman, and while there will be a few options for that spot here it might be better if they use their second round pick on a ruckman and add a quality smaller player in the first round. That could change if the Magpies find a ruck prospect that they really want, and looking at all the recent success they have had in the draft, there won't be many questioning their choice.
15 Kangaroos: Addam Maric (179cm, 80kg)
They will have to replace Shannon Grant in a few years, and Maric might be his clone. A small player who can have a big impact in the forward line, Maric doesn't miss very often when he has a shot for goal.
The Kangaroos will have to figure out a new structure for their forward line in 2008. With Thompson returning from injury, and an improvement from Hansen, they could have more size to use. With Hale and Petrie too, as well as the marking ability of Edwards and Jones, there will need to be skilful small players around to make the forward line function. Maric should not only score a few goals for the Kangaroos if they draft him but he should also assist in many more.
The Kangaroos have not had a lot of success in recent times with trading high draft picks for veteran players, but this year it could be a good time to try it again. If they believe that they were very close to getting to a Grand Final, they might want to add the extra player or two via a trade who can take them that next step in 2008. The Kangaroos could also trade for veteran help by sending out one of their young talls, like Brad Moran or Hansen.
2007 AFL Mock Draft Preview - Picks 6 to 10
2007 AFL Mock Draft Preview - Picks 16 to 20
