Mal Michael and Chris Bryan Could Change the AFL Draft Picks
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.
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.
