AFL Mock Draft 2007 - Pick 55, Essendon
55. Essendon - Shane Valenti
Midfielder. 176cm, 80kg. Sandringham VFL
Possible comparison: A bit like Foley and King at Richmond, small but effective.
Why: The Bombers should be able to find a quality player or two from the VFL, as that is where Knights coached last season. Talent scouts didn't need to put in much effort to see what Valenti could do as he was one of the best in the VFL. Valenti could add a bit of hustle to their midfield and might also be an option up forward. He averaged close to one goal per game in the VFL last season.
Worth a reach: Andy Otten, he would seem to be a versatile Sheedy type of player that can be moved around into different parts of the ground, the problem is that Sheedy isn't there now.
Hope they slide: David Hill, it would certainly be interesting when Knights calls out to his ruckman to have a talk as he might not get the one he wants, but Essendon do need to add another ruckman to their list and Hill has a lot of physical ability.
Selected at pick 55 in the 2006 AFL draft:
Robert Gray (Port Adelaide, small forward)
Midfielder. 176cm, 80kg. Sandringham VFL
Possible comparison: A bit like Foley and King at Richmond, small but effective.
Why: The Bombers should be able to find a quality player or two from the VFL, as that is where Knights coached last season. Talent scouts didn't need to put in much effort to see what Valenti could do as he was one of the best in the VFL. Valenti could add a bit of hustle to their midfield and might also be an option up forward. He averaged close to one goal per game in the VFL last season.
Worth a reach: Andy Otten, he would seem to be a versatile Sheedy type of player that can be moved around into different parts of the ground, the problem is that Sheedy isn't there now.
Hope they slide: David Hill, it would certainly be interesting when Knights calls out to his ruckman to have a talk as he might not get the one he wants, but Essendon do need to add another ruckman to their list and Hill has a lot of physical ability.
Selected at pick 55 in the 2006 AFL draft:
Robert Gray (Port Adelaide, small forward)
