AFL 2007 Draft Table Talk Mock Draft: Pick 2
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
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
