Preamble: I only watch matches in South Australia live but have mates who live in most states, who send me video's of matches with potential draftees. That being the case, it is hard for me to gather information for players from Tasmania and Darwin. Any feedback or discussion is more than welcome! By the way sorry about the length of the profiles, it is certainly difficult to describe players in few words.
The order I have posted the midfielders or any of the players has been of no relevance to my draft predictions . . . In regards to the ranking of midfielders, it really depends on what you call a midfielder, A player like O'keefe plays on the wing/half forward flank so would that count in terms of your ranking of midfielders?
Gary Moss
179cms
69kgs
Pro's
• Leadership
• Courageous
• Reading of play
• Handballing
• Footy smarts
Weakness
• Height
• Leg speed
• Kicking
Summary - I don’t know how many athletes I have done profiles on rather that traditional footballers. Gary is a midfielder that is a footballer who has an exceptional attitude to the game. Willing to do anything for his team-mates it can be inspiring and although not as talented as other players around him he inspires them to come into the game. He reads the play very well and his partnership with his previous ruckman has meant that he can read their tap before any other player. His kicking has question marks but isn’t the worst in this draft. His handballing is where he will create players with runs. He will sacrifice himself for the team and anyone that has also seen him play would understand his sportsmanship and respect for opposition. His height, leg speed and kicking are all major concerns, but if you want a true warrior who will give 100% Gary is your man.
Sam Fielding
180cms
75kgs
Pro's
• Skillful
• Quick
• Scope for improvement
• Defensive skills
Weakness
• Athlete ahead of footballer
• Standout feature??
• Contested ball winning
• Football Knowledge
Summary - Sam is a quick skillful midfielder that has been impressive at Clarence. He does play in the center of the park and has nice defensive skills. He has a huge upside in comparison to other players as he could bulk up a little more. His kicking over distance with accuracy along with pace is what I like about him. He is a player who will run hard and is very fit. At times his positioning in moments of games can be questionable and this along with his contested ball winning and height will see him drop. Is one of those players that will have a nervous draft day, as he really is borderline. A certain rookie listing if not drafted and he could turn into a good outside player who runs the lines and uses foot skills to great effect.
Rhyce Prismall
188.2cms
86.6kgs
Pro's
• Skillful
• Quick
• Marking
• Scope for improvement
Weakness
• Outside player
• Weight
• Contested ball winning
Summary - Rhyce is a quick, skillful midfielder who plays mostly on the wing/flanks. He has room for improvement in his game but he needs to bulk up and win the contested ball. At 86kgs he is a pushover in contests and needs to work on his ball wining ability. He is a strong mark and has a long kick on him. At best he is a wingman who can push forward and kick a long goal. Rhyce does get a fair bit of the ball, but really is an outside player relying on his skills and pace. Should get selected with Geelong interested, having turned up to many of his games.
Gavin Urquhart
186cms
78kgs
Pro's
• Wins the hard-ball
• Skills
• Awareness
• Competitive
Weakness
• Competitive
• 2006 season (injuries, OP and weight/height)
• Position
Summary - Gavin is a player who is best suited to the back lines although he can have a run in the midfield every now and then. His height means he is not going to be a KPP and is probably going to be groomed in a Scott brothers at Brisbane role. This season he has shot up 5cms without gaining weight and has had OP for most of the season. This is what will hold him back. His aggression is a good thing but he will be facing the tribunal every now and then as at times he can get carried away. He has clean skills on both sides of the body, and his ability to win the contested ball in the back lines cannot be underestimated. If available with St Kildas 3rd pick he must be considered as he has the potential to turn into a very valuable player if he can remain injury free. He has some pace to and is certainly no slug. The potential is certainly there and the club that picks him will reap the rewards if his body holds up.
Nathan Djerrkura
Drafted by Geelong in the 2006 Draft - Pick number No 25
176cms
75kgs
Pro's
• Lightning pace
• Skilful
• Athleticism
• Flair
Weakness
• Intensity
• Played school football
• Bigger than most opponents
• Can tease opponents
• Not much improvement physically left in his game
Summary - For me Nathan has been over hyped for what he has done so far. Easily behind Leroy Jetta in most areas of the game. He has lightening pace, is very skilful, will break the lines and carry the ball and has athleticism and flair. That is all well and good but he has to patch up areas of his game if he wants to become a very good player. He has the ability but at times he loses his intensity at ball and player and is cocky about his ability and will certainly let everyone know about it . He has teased opponents and probably thinks he is better than he is, playing school footy hasn't helped, as his opposition has been pretty easy. He could play small roles next year and really is an impact player who will turn a game on its head in a short passage of time. For me I have him going between picks 35 and 45 as his potential is there but he at times doesn't want to use it. I do not doubt his skill, speed and athleticism because they are obviously better than most players but he really needs to improve his attitude and maybe AFL level will change his attitude as he will get a shock but it certainly is a gamble. His height is relatively small and this is also an issue that recruiting scouts do keep in mind. Certainly could turn into anything as his major concerns can certainly be taken away but it depends on his enthusiasm towards proceedings. May go higher than what I have him going at because of a limited amount of quality midfielders in this year's draft with Hawthorn reasonably keen.
Jackson Sheringham
178cms
74kgs
Pro's
• Pace
• Kicking
• Carries the ball
• Classy winger
• Versatile
• Tackling
• Clean hands
Weakness
• Height
• Top-aged
• Decision making
• Contested ball winning
Summary - Jackson is a player who was not selected during last year's draft but has the potential to be a great player. He is very quick and will break the lines carrying the ball and using his exquisite foot skills to perfection. His kicking has penetration also so maybe the kick ins he could end up taking. For me, he is a better kick than Josh hunt and his kicking, pace and ability to evade players cannot be underestimated. He has clean hands and despite his size he can break tackles with ease - his tackling should also not be underestimated. All of his skills are clean and it really is a pity he isn't 4-5cms taller, as he would have then been a certainty for top 20. The only other area besides his height for concern is his decision making, which can be bad at times. It really is hard to tell where Jackson will go, many people will think that he won't get drafted and it is hard to disagree as if you get passed in a draft it is hard to get selected the next year. Swallow is the exception, although he certainly was touted by many to go early and his form was better than many players. For me, I would like to see him get a chance on a senior list, certainly is a huge talent but just needs that chance to shine!
Jarryd Morton
191cms
80kgs
Pro's
• Scope for improvement
• Marking
• Kicking
• Versatility
• Fitness
Weakness
• Standout feature (good all-round game)
• Kicking??
• Skinny
• Outside player
• Height???
Summary - Jarryd is a very good prospect that could turn into one of the gems from this crop. He is very athletic for someone his size and is versatile, having played in the midfield and at FF and CHF. He has the engine for AFL and would be suited to a wing role where he moves forward and uses his goal scoring ability to advantage. He is in an in between height as he is a very tall midfielder or 2nd or 3rd forward at AFL level. Many comparisons have been made with Andrew Embley and that is the kind of position I personally would play him in while his body develops then maybe a permanent position could be found. His set shot kicking is very good but is not as good at the pinpoint pass and that would be a concern maybe to many floaters (but his set shot kicking is very good). His marking is his best attribute as it is very strong and if you put him on a wing at his height and marking ability, plus endurance he could become unstoppable. Will probably go between 25 and 35 but is a very good talent who could turn into anything.
Jarryd Allen
192cms
85kgs
Pro's
• Versatile
• Marking
Weakness
• Athleticism
• Size
• Conversion???
Summary - Jarryd is a versatile key position prospect who has played mostly down forward this season. In the TAC cup he kicked 45 goals in 18 games, but to think he could have done better having kicked 24 behinds. That isn't the worst conversion rate, but you have to look at what it could have been. Jarryd will go about his work the same way every time and his marking is very strong and he has a high work ethic. He is not as athletic or quick as other players which means that he may be better suited to the backlines at AFL level. Looks to be a good prospect with plenty of improvement as he has come along a great deal from the previous year when he was very skinny.
Austin Wonaeamirri
172cms
72kgs
Pro's
• Creative
• Works hard
• Senior footy in NT
• Skills
• Evasive skills
Weakness
• Height
• Skinny
• endurance???
Summary - Austin has the skills and work ethic to be a good AFL player. What he doesn't have is height and body size. He is good at tackling but at AFL level he will be out marked and out-bodied at every contest. He has never really taken many marks because of his height and he is too small for even the forward pocket. He will be a good player at VFL level but I don't think he will get rookie listed, because of his weaknesses. It is unfair, but it is the harsh reality as at that height he would have to be more than a genious to get drafted.
Edit: I want to add that he is a very evasive small player who will come in and out of games. Very much an impact player as he would not have the endurance for a full midfield game.
Chris Dawes
194cms
101kgs
Pro's
• Marking
• Set shot kicking
• Strength
Con's
• Scope for improvement
• Will miss entire 2007 season knee reconstruction
• Risk
Summary - In all honesty I haven't seen as much of Chris as I would have liked. From what I have seen he certainly has the potential to be a great player. Selected in the Vic Metro squad he certainly helped Hawkins out forming a good combination while kicking a few goals against WA. His kicking is generally pretty good and his marking and body strength are good features of his game. Doesn't have the scope for improvement of other players as he certainly has the size. Will not play a game next season after a knee reconstruction and would have been a certain draftee had this injury not occurred. I had him going before the injury late second round and 3rd round, but now a rookie listing is his best bet. Will be a certain rookie listing and should fit into the team that picks him up in 2008.
Grant Weeks
189cms
89kgs
Pro's
• Overhead marking
• Clean below knees
• Versatility
• Athletic
Weakness
• Kicking
• Scope for improvement
Summary - Grant playing for Pioneers has been in a team that has not performed. He is their vital cog and has had 2 opponents on him usually. His marking is his feature, but his goal kicking is terrible, as his conversion rate is something like 35%. Recently he has played in the midfield and pushed up the ground and this role looks suitable, as his height has left him out of a possible key position role. Grant is lacking in scope for improvement, as his body is as big if not bigger than you would want at his size. Probably won't get drafted but a rookie listing is on the cards. I might add that his field kicking is not bad but he just doesn't have a set position as at the moment he only could play midfield for half a game.
Travis Boak
182cms
75kgs
Pro's
• Leg speed
• Carries the football
• Clean hands
• Versatile inside or outside midfielder
• Skills
Weakness
• Weight
• Polish
Summary - Travis is a player who could go top ten or may drop into the late teens. He isn't super quick but certainly has more pace than some of the other midfield prospects and will carry the ball. Has been used everywhere but isn't as effective at half forward. He is a player who can play on the half back line with his dash and poise, or be an inside midfielder who uses his clean skills to great effect. His skills are great, but at times he can make blunders with them which may be an concern. He probably has to gain a few kilograms to match the size of other players, but could probably get away with his body size at AFL next year. Could go as early as pick 7 with Geelong very interested, but if not he may end up at St Kilda who are just as keen.
PS: - Saints are keen on many players not just Boak, but they have had scouts at many, if not all of his games. There was also an article in the paper a while ago with a brief comment from Beveridge stating his interest. Whether Lyon the new coach will change that I don't know but he would certainly be a great pick up at pick 9.
Chris Schmidt
186cms
87kgs
Pro's
• Skills
• Versatile
• Athletic
• Overhead Marking
Weakness
• Kicking height (keep kicks down)
• Penetration on kicks
• Outside player
Summary - Chris is a player in the same mould as Brett Burton at the Adelaide Crows. His height, speed and athleticism make him very similar. His hands are huge and they really are like mittens plucking the ball out of the air. His skills are good but he kicks floaters often, as his penetration is not there with accurate passing. He is an outside player and likes to use the wings and run into the forward line. Will be a damaging player and at the championships was South Australia's second best player. He can fumble the ball at times and will need to work on this if he wants to be more damaging. Overall a good prospect who could turn into anything.
Simon Hogan
183cms
Height ????
Draft Camp Results
1st - Repeat sprints 30 metres 24.67 seconds
Equal 3rd - 20 metre sprint 2.91 seconds
1st - shuttle run level 15.04
2nd - 3km time trial
Pro's
• Athleticism
• Media attention
Weakness
• Fringe player
• Footy smarts
• Skills
Summary - Simon is a player that will most likely be rookie listed. His draft camp results are really one of the only reasons he has got any talk, as he along with Houlihan they were the two easy standouts as athletes this year. His skills are not as good as Houlihans and he will need to put a lot of weight on as he is very skinny. I say fringe player as he really was at Geelong and only got game time through their midfield rotations. A positive for him is the amount of media attention he has received as a club like Adelaide may pick him up as they did with van berlo last year. Certainly a good athlete but needs to work on his defensive pressure and footy smarts.
Ricky Petterd
185.3cms
74.1kgs
Pro's
• Versatile
• Strong mark
• Football smarts
Weakness
• Kicking
• Pace
Summary - Ricky could turn out to be a good player. His strengths are good and his championships were excellent. This being said what will hold him up is his pace as having relied on running over smaller players with his strength he will struggle to do this at AFL level. His kicking is also questionable at times and these concerns along with missing draft camp through illness should hold him back. He can really play anywhere as he has been a good player at clearances in the past and is a proven player on the half back line with his creative plays, creating runs. He is a player who could turn out to be very good, but will need to keep working on his strength as AFL players have bigger frames than the players he has been playing against. Could turn into a great player but is not going to go first round as pace and kicking are important ingredients in a footballer.
Daniel Connors
182cms
77kgs
Pro's
• Skilful
• Kicking
• Inside and Outside midfielder
• Pace
• Marking
Weakness
• Tackling
Summary - Daniel is a very impressive player that seems to have gone under the radar. He has football smarts, pace and is one of the best kicks out of this year's draft. He is one of few players who have the ability to play as an inside or outside midfielder. As an outside midfielder he is dashing and can take players on and use his foot skills to great effect. As an inside midfielder he has good vision of his surroundings and can make clearances from his evasive skills. His tackling is his only concern as he can be a little on the soft side but on a St Kilda point of view a coach such as Lyon would do him wonders, as I'm sure he will implement a defensive approach to his game, making him the complete package. One of the best midfielders on display and averaging over 22 disposals per game in the TAC he certainly knows how to win the ball.
Kurt Tippett
200.6cms (3rd tallest at draft camp)
95.9kgs (3rd heaviest at camp)
Handspan 26.3cms (2nd best at draft camp)
In Brief
Pro's
• Contested marking
• Leap
• Scope for improvement
• Tap work
Weakness
• Speed
Summary - Kurt is a relatively new player of football. Originally a basketballer he is now one of the leading ruck prospects come draft day. A nice height and weight for rucking Kurts leap and tap work are very impressive considering the amount of time he has played football. He is a top age player but being relatively new to the game his scope for improvement is still reasonable. Is best suited to a ruckman who can drop into the goal square and provide a target. His leg speed isn't as quick as other ruckmen but he can still cover the ground in a match and would be a ready-made player for 2007 with some room for improvement.
Tim Houlihan
189cms
74kgs
Draft Camp Results
Repeat sprints - 30 metres 24.72 sec 2nd best
Shuttle run level 15.04 2nd best
Time trial - 9:37 mins 3km 1st
Pro's
• Athleticism
• Bottom aged
• Scope for improvement
• Defensive pressure
Weakness
• Skinny
Summary - A superb athlete that has the potent mix of endurance plus speed. He can run all day and has fantastic defensive pressure. You could talk about his athleticism all day but I am going to comment more on the package in terms of football smarts etc. He is very similar to Nathan Van Berlo of the Adelaide Crows and I wouldn't be surprised to see the crows pick him up (Brisbane are also very keen). His scope for improvement is possibly more than any other player as being younger than a lot of potential draftees and having played the game for a lot of draftees the improvement is a huge upside. In the past year he has taken leaps and bounds and really looks like he will suit the modern style of game. He is not just an athlete as he does have good instincts and likes to run and carry the ball-taking players on.
Andrejs Everitt
193cms
75kgs
Pro's
• Big leap
• Versatile
• Good kick
• Leg speed
• Athletic
Weakness
• Skinny
• Outside player
• Body-on-body
• Fades in and out of matches
Summary - Andrejs Everitt well known as the brother of Peter at Sydney, is a bottom aged key position player. He has a huge leap and will throw himself in the air and take some great marks. He is versatile and is a player who looks comfortable down either end of the ground. Andrejs is similar to Ben Reid in that both are bottom aged players who will need to do some work in the gym. Both these players have good leg speed and need to add weight, while not losing their leg speed, but this does take time. Andrejs hasn't done a lot of body-on-body contests, as he is more comfortable using his pace and leap to advantage making him in some ways an outside player. My major concern though is his fading in and out of matches. In the second U/18 championship match against Western Australia he was killed by Gumbleton and his first match he started off well but faded out of the match in patches. This is a concern but it really is hard to describe weaknesses that will hold them back when they are bottom aged and needing a lot of work in the gym.
Ben Reid
196.7cms
82kgs
Pro's
• Leap
• Reading of play
• Skills
• Marking
Weakness
• Weight (A lot of gym work required)
• Outside Player
Summary - Ben is a bottom age project player that will require work in the gym. He has great ability; just his weight has forced him to be an outside player and this will continue to occur until he develops a body. He has great skills for a player of his height but once again I will mention it, he must put on weight. Ben if not drafted this year, will go a lot higher and if he had at least 10kgs more on his frame he would go very high. He is athletic and versatile and his positive features for now must outweigh his weaknesses. A definite project player.
Eric Mackenzie
195.8cms
88kgs
Pro's
• Anticipation of the ball
• Bodywork
• Disciplined
• Strength
Weakness
• Scope for improvement
Summary - Eric is your solid type of player. He is disciplined and great in one on one contests. He is pretty much ready to go straight away next season but does not have the scope for improvement as other key position players. Eric does have versatility, as he can go forward and take a grab; but at this stage in development he is more suited in my opinion to the back lines, as he has the strength and size to hold down a key position. For me he is a safe bet, as sure he does not have the talent of a Thorpe or Hansen but he has the traits that you know will make a good footballer.
Clinton Benjamin
187cms
79kgs
Pro's
• Blistering pace
• Big leap (Vertical Jump - 3rd best in draft - 66cms)
• Endurance
Weakness
• Athlete rather than footballer
• Height for FF means second or third forward
Summary - Clinton is a player rated highly by most scouts, as he has blistering pace and can out-burn any player he has played against. His first few steps are lightening quick and he has a good leap. His height means that he will never be a key-forward and he will take a long time to possibly turn into a midfielder. His athletic abilities are as good as anyone else in this year's draft. Clinton has skills, but he has to be in space to use them and when he is tightly marked he can tend to struggle. Could turn into anything, but he is far from a safe-bet and will need to try and find a set position, otherwise he will be one of those players who never really finds themselves at AFL level, but he has the potential.
Brock O'Brien
180cms
79kgs
Pro's
• Physical player
• Clean hands
• Versatile
• Has played Senior football
• Attitude
Weakness
• Scope for improvement (bigger body than the average player at his height)
• Decision making
Summary - He is a physical rebounding defender who can rotate through the midfield. He has clean hands and has the skills required to play midfield at AFL level. His versatility is between the backlines and midfield as he enjoys being in space. My question mark is not so much on his decision-making but the time taken to make decisions. He obviously must be conscious of a time he must have turned the ball over or something, as he likes to make sure he will get it right. At AFL level, a quicker style of game is required and he could be run-down if he does not improve this aspect. He does have the right attitude and temperament for AFL football suits the rebounding half back role. He really is a rebounding defender that you would try and turn into a midfielder over time. On leg speed, as it is fairly vital for his role, he isn't lightning quick but certainly isn't a slouch as he has an all-round game that will put him in good stead for AFL.
Daniel O'Keefe
184cms
74kgs
Pro's
• Quick
• Great kick
Weakness
• Ability to win contested ball
Summary - I am a big fan of this player. Obviously as Stinger said before he is a bit of a smokey, but I wouldn't be surprised if he came up the order. Captain of Geelong falcons in TAC, and a player who has averaged over 20 possessions a game playing on the wing / half forward flank. He doesn't win contested ball but who needs to when you have the skills of Daniel. His skills are excellent and his ability to move forward from the midfield and kick a goal on the run is something that cannot be underestimated. This can be shown by his TAC form where he was averaging 2 goals per game in his 16 appearances for Geelong. Obviously the ability to win the contested ball will drop him down the order as that is what clubs will always be interested in. But if there was a player to keep your eye on, on draft day it would be Daniel. In regards to a player with similar attributes it would be Ryan O'Keefe, as he will run all day, take 10 marks a match and kick a few goals. He still has improvement in him and could be taller than what I have put him down for. One more thing, he is a very good kick and will carry the ball using his pace to great effect. As I said before his inability to win contested ball will hold him back, but he is a player Saint Kilda should look very hard at.
Bachar Houli
Profile
180cms
83kgs
Pro's
• Clean
• Composed
• Brilliant foot skills
Weakness
• Scope for improvement
• Has had stress fractures and ankle problems
• Not overly quick
Summary - A natural footballer, who is an attacking player. I am a fan of this kid, as although many people doubt him and he has been likened to Dean Rioli, he has a lot more to offer. Obviously he will have to watch his size otherwise he will have problems and not be able to play midfield at AFL level. He is an attacking player who can carry the ball and he has exceptional foot skills. He is clean below knees and composed under pressure. Every year we look at players who are the athlete ahead of footballer. Bachar is a footballer that has abilities that no athlete can pick up and if you can get him to watch his size he would be a top ten pick. The question marks are there, but if he works hard on the track the results could be better than any other player in this bumper crop.
PS: - I believe Houli could go at Adelaide's first pick as he looks like their kind of player, but Brisbane are also keen and their second pick. In terms of draft picks late first round to second round.
James Sellar
Profile
195cms
86kgs
Pro's
• High work rate
• Vertical Jump (Equal 7th best in draft 65cms)
• Moves well for a ruckmen
Con's
• Height for ruck
Summary - Moves like Dean Cox, for a ruckmen. He is really suited to the ruck but can be rested up forward if required, as he has been known to kick goals. He will run all over his opponent and often gathers his own taps, as he is clean below knees. The major concern is his height - I believe it is higher than 195cms but not sure. If he has grown a few cms he certainly will go high if not he will go late first round. As John Beveridge has stated"He's a tall, athletic player who can do all the things you like tall, athletic players to do," Hawks are possibly competition as they are very keen, but his height will be the concern for them.
Albert Proud
179cms
Pro's
• Hard at the ball
• Long kick
Con's
• Scope for improvement
• Can go missing
• Can lack discipline
Summary - Very impressive player, from what I have seen so far. Has an all-round game. Whether it is carrying the ball, delivering a pass with precision or running down an opposition player, he will do it. Unlike Selwood he has no problem with kick penetration and really is a skilful + tough, on-baller. Albert has pace, yet is not a burst player of the caliber of a Leroy Jetta, yet who is. I like this kid as he has all the tools to make it at AFL level. My concern though is his height, as although he is a midfielder, when I last checked he was under 180cms, which can drop him down the pecking order. His body size is also a small concern as he has a well-developed body, although he has more improvement than many other potential draftees. Those issues mentioned before are minor compared to his talent so my major concern would be over his discipline and ability to keep winning the possessions when he is having an off day. On a bad day he can at times spit the dummy and in large patches of several games I have seen he has gone missing. This is a concern as when he gets the ball he very dangerous, and is a player that can win a game by setting up a goal with a pin-point pass to the leading forward.
David Armitage
183cms
79kgs
Pro's
• Agility (Best at draft camp)
• Endurance (3km run 10th best at draft camp)
• Inside midfielder
• Hard at the ball
Weakness
• Leg speed
• Scope for improvement
Summary - This is a player who's stocks are on the rise. Armitage is your solid, inside-midfielder who does not shy away from the contest. His stocks have risen dramatically after his draft camp results, as he was closer to the pick 50 mark before the results. The reason he is not at the standards of a player of the caliber of Judd is his leg speed to power away from opponents. He also has a similar amount of scope for improvement as Hislop as both are mature hard-bodied midfielders. Often plays on the half back-line and for Dream Team players, he is a player who you could get cheap, and reap the rewards. I certainly like the player, he is pretty similar to Goddard in regards to his play on the half back line. In mid-field he is your center-clearance man and not a player who will carry the ball too much.
Brent Renouf
200.3 cms (5th tallest at draft camp)
92.5kgs (8th heaviest at draft camp)
Handspan 25.4cms (3rd best at draft camp)
Pro's
• Vertical jump (7th best at camp)
• Endurance (3km time trial - 7th best at camp)
Weakness
• Skills (Will handball to avoid kicking)
Summary - This is the type of player who will get first hands on the ball. He also covers the ground and will outrun his opposition ruckmen. Skill is a problem but if you put his kicking aside he is a very promising ruck-prospect, who can set up runs with his handballing.
Joel Selwood
181cms
Pro's
• Cleanest hands (easily best in draft)
• Composed in heavy traffic
• Great hand-baller
• Vertical Jump (Equal 7th best in draft 65cms)
Weakness
• Kicking distance
• Injuries (Missed part of this season)
• Leg speed
Summary - This is a player who has been talked up as a future AFL captain. I believe he has the necessary tools in that regard, as he is a very tough and disciplined player at the ball. He has dominated at his age level and his anticipation of the ball makes up for any lack in pace. Comparisons can be made between him and Daniel Cross as feeders of the ball as he is great at handballing. My question mark and I do not speak alone is his kicking, before his injury it was a problem and the injury is certainly not going to help him. He lacks penetration altogether and his accuracy is questionable, at AFL level he will not get away with simply dishing out a handball at every opportunity. I will mention the modern game again in saying that kicking is becoming a vital component, as it has been the difference in several matches last season. Should fit in to the best 22 for whatever club that picks him, and could be a handy first year player. I look more at what players have to offer long term as a key position player will never take the world alight like a midfielder in their first year. A good player, but he does have his problems and that is why Gibbs is the best midfielder to date.
PS: feel that Joel Selwood will make a career out of AFL. Players who can win the ball and dominate in that regard are highly sought after. This will make him a good player alone as his anticipation for the ball, and cleaness of hands below knees are second to none. He will create runs for players all day, this has worked for players like Sam Mitchell and west in their careers. Obviously leg speed is a problem but his awareness of players, makes his pace not an issue. Club's will accept that, but his kicking penetration will need work. A player who will go top ten on draft day and could easily become a good player who will create your ball-carriers (outside midfielders) with nice run ons.
Matthew Leuenberger
203.2cms (tallest at draft camp)
92.9kgs (6th heaviest at draft camp)
Pro's
• Scope for improvement (Played basketball for most of juniors)
• Good mark for ruckmen
• Ruck work
Con's
• Lacking senior football experience compared to other prospects
Summary - Matthew is a quality young ruckmen. His ruckwork is exceptional and he has dominated against all opponents in Colts in previous seasons against players such as Pattrick Ryder. He has the ability to either palm the ball down or smash the ball forward and he already is a standard ahead of many lead ruckmen for clubs in the AFL. He is a late starter to football yet he has came along in leaps and bounds and his scope for improvement could well be the largest out of any posible draftee.
Scott Gumbleton
197.1cms
92.8kgs
Pro's
• Strong contested mark
• Big frame who demands the ball
• Agility
• Senior football
Con's
• Skinny (has a physical approach to his game)
• Versatility
Summary - This is the powerful, damaging forward of the draft. I'm not saying other players are not damaging, but this is a player who has that ability to kick big bags of goals when in-form. Scott has a large frame but will need to add a little more weight, as he likes to play one-on-one. Scott is certainly a forward and the type of player you wouldn't play down back unless you have injury problems, as he is so damaging up forward. Whether the modern game will suit him is a question, but players like Matthew Richardson and Tredrea have no problems with the modern style, so the same would be expected of Scott. Most likely to go top 3.
Bryce Gibbs
188cms
78kgs
Pro's
• Superb kicking skills
• Played senior football
• Balance, speed and poise
• Strength in air
Weakness
• Prefers one on one to pack contests
• Scope for improvement??
Summary - Such a complete package. As I live in South Australia I have seen him perform more than any other draftee in this year's crop, but he certainly has been the best player I have seen in several year's. Bryce this season has been physically tested, being tagged and niggled deliberately by opposition teams in the SANFL, yet he has still dominated for Glenelg. Will fit straight in for 2007, and is that player that you know is going to be a great player. Bryce is still growing and has the ability to be a good forward as his goal-sense and kicking are second to none. The ability that stands out to me is his difficulty to match up on; even at SANFL level team's have difficulty-finding players with the engine, height and aerial marking ability. In that regard he is very similar to Adam Goodes and he could still reach a height similar to Goodes.
Thomas Hislop
185cms
84kgs
Pro's
• Inside player
• Clean hands under pressure
• Superb reader of play
• Hard at the ball
• Good vision
Weakness
• Scope for improvement
• Not as quick as other prospects
Summary - In all honesty I haven't seen much of Thomas in recent times. But from going on what other scouts have seen and my exposure a few things have stood out. The major concern is his scope for improvement. Other than that he has potential to be a great player, his body type can be compared to Shannon Hurn's last year. Overall though he certainly is a polished footballer who can add a lot to a midfield.
Clayton Collard
180cms
72.6 kgs
Pro's
• Reads the play well
• Good kick of the ball
• Versatile
• Bigger stronger version of Jetta
• Vertical Jump (Equal 4th best in draft 66cms)
Con's
• Endurance
• Impact player
Summary - Clayton is a very good prospect. From the times I have seen him play I would put him slightly ahead of Jetta. Both similar in terms of being impact players but I would rate Collard higher simply on height and versatility. Clayton has played in the back lines as well as the forward lines but is suited in attack, where a pin-point accurate kick in the forward 50 to a lead makes you wonder about the defense. The anticipation is high on Jett but Collard could come out the better of the two. We will just have to wait and see!
Leroy Jetta
175.9cms
67.9kgs
Pro's
• Lightning pace
• Great goal sense
• Takes players on
• Balance
Weakness
• Accountability
• Can be selfish (goal hungry)
• Endurance??
• Height
Summary - Many have Leroy as the second best midfielder in the draft. Although those thoughts may be slightly outrageous he has similar traits to Andrew Mcleod as his pace and balance are very rare among footballers.
Jack Riewoldt
193cms
83kgs
In Brief
Pro's
• Veristile
• Clean above head
Weakness
• Leg speed
Summary - I have my doubts over Riewoldt. He just doesn't seem to have a definite role set for AFL level. He is too slow to enter the midfield and struggles to break free and make a fast lead, relying on pack marks. As a St Kilda supporter this certainly is a player that should not be on our radar for pick 9. Players like Houli, Collard, Proud, Jetta and Selwood for midfield should take preference. He can have no impact in games and simply go missing as shown in a championship game. What he has going for him is his versatility and his marking ability above the head (something Watts is missing). A last name can only get you so far and I personally think from watching many tapes that his consistency does not warrant a top 10 selection.
Mitchell Thorp
195cms
84kgs
Pro's
• Mobile
• Athletic
• Contested marking (Pack or 1-on-1)
• Brilliant kick
Weakness
• Risk factor
Summary - If available at pick 9, I would collapse. Could easily turn out to be the best player in this year's draft. He will run all day, loves a contest and has a huge up-side. Regardless of our needs, if available we would be stupid not to take him. He is similar to Nick Riewoldt, with similar speed, endurance and leap. His resume would read: An athlete who has football smarts and skill. Therefore he is the complete package.
The fact is that he is similar to Mitchell Clark from last year, while he has huge potential there is a certain risk factor that goes along with it. Players like proud are going to be good consistent players but a player like Thorp can win games off his boot.
Lachlan Hansen
196.7cms
84kgs
Pro's
• Best mark in draft
• Exceptional reader of play
• Scope for improvement
• Fitness Shuttle run Lachlan Hansen - level 14.04 (Equal 6th best, draft camp)
Weakness
• Time to develop (still skinny)
Summary - Lachlan is easily the best mark in the draft and most probably the best since riewoldt. He reads the play better than any player he has played against and when many players are standing waiting for the ball to land in the pack, Lachlan will be running off somewhere else and receiving an easy un-contested mark. As he is still skinny and hasn't developed to his full capabilities there is a large scope for improvement. He has excellent endurance for a key position player and his current size would be the only concern. As at AFL level he may be out-bodied until he has spent a few pre-seasons in the gym.
Nick Smith
183cms, 73kgs
I haven't seen much on Nick so I wouldn't be able to justify a profile on him. He made the Vic Metro side this season and has averaged 23 disposals per game with Oakleigh. He is Oakleighs prime ball winner and will usually play in the midfield or on the half back line. From what I have heard he is a late selection at best but more likely to be picked up in the rookie draft.
Brock O'Brien
Draft camp results:
5th - 20 metre sprint 2.92 seconds
10th - Agility 8.19 seconds
Those were in the top ten so for a player such as Brock those are pretty good results. If you add in his football ability, you really do have a good player, and that further emphasises my point for him being selected between picks 7 and 15.
by 'Saint_Express'
The Post and Thread saintsational.com
Some editing may have occured to the original post - see saintsational.com post for edited versions and/or comments.
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