2018 National Draft thread

[one-eyed]

RICHMOND

Pick 17: Richmond has lost depth in its midfield stocks but could bring in a prospect who appears ready to go in Liam Stocker. The tough, dig-in, hands-on midfielder won the Morrish Medal at TAC Cup level this season and he's a good kick on both feet. He has the build and frame to be playing AFL next year.

Around the mark: Riley Collier-Dawkins, Chayce Jones, Luke Valente

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-10-21/your-clubs-first-pick-whos-in-the-mix

[one-eyed]

The raging swapping of draft picks during the recent draft period, where 56 of the 94 draft picks were traded, and the insane appetite of fans around the country, tell us the most anticipated draft in history will soon be upon us.

For the first time, selections can be traded on the night.

It means the predictable — and boring — sequence of pick, name; pick, name; which has often been accurately predicted by football media in the first 10 selections and which has been the traditional draft process, has been revitalised.

“It creates the ability for it to be unpredictable and that creates excitement, so, really, it’s the unknown,’’ the AFL’s Josh Vanderloo said.

The machinations are endless.

“I’d also look further than that and say there may be a player available that a club thought they’d never be able to access, now suddenly they can say, ‘Righto, let’s put all our chips in and move ahead in the draft to get that player’.

“In the past, they never had that opportunity. We’ve had case studies in the past where clubs have said, ‘Gee, that player slipped, we wish we could’ve taken him,’ but their next pick was 15 away. This provides more list flexibility and clubs can be more strategic to achieve the outcomes they want.

Telecast by Fox Footy, the first-round extravaganza will be held on Thursday, November 22, and the remaining rounds the next day.

For the first time, club officials won’t be on the floor, they will be in separate rooms, where they will reveal their picks or trades via computer.

Cameras will be in each of the 18 rooms, but unfortunately not with volume.

Each club has five minutes to trade a pick or select a player, and if a trade is made, the selection has to be revealed in the same five-minute window.

In the unlikely case a club can’t make a future trade under AFL rules, because it has already traded away future picks, the draft program will reject a trade.

Logistics aside, the revamped national draft has all clubs in play.

“Certainly, every club is part of this draft no matter where their current selections lie,’’ Vanderloo said.

“Clubs will be looking at all scenarios, especially over the next five weeks leading up to the draft, and if they find one which works and the player they want is available, I definitely think there will be trades. Whether it happens in the first round, second round or third, there will be trades, definitely.’’

The AFL is hoping 5000 fans attend the draft at Marvel Stadium.

Full article: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/mark-robinson/the-introduction-of-live-pick-trading-is-going-to-revitalise-the-afl-draft-writes-mark-robinson/news-story/0038b7c214011daee716876a6fd34695

[pmac21]

Not a Tiger question but I'd be taking Rankine with pick 1 without question.  Pure match winner

[one-eyed]

Pick 17: RICHMOND TIGERS

Sporting News
31 Oct 2018


Who will they be likely to draft?

Coincidentally Richmond had pick 17 last year and managed to snap up Jack Higgins. The Tigers will be happy if they can get another bargain this far down the list.

Chayce Jones (TAS): 180cm, 74kg
A hard-working mid who has no trouble getting his hands on the ball. And they love the Tassie Tigers down at Punt Road.

Luke Valente (SA): 186cm, 80kg
A mature young midfielder with a well-rounded game that suits Richmond’s draft style.

History of AFL draft pick 17

Most games played
313 James Kelly (Geelong, 2001)


Least games played
0 – Brendan Hehir (Geelong, 1990)
0 – Anthony Cole (Sydney Swans, 1991)
0 – Ezra Bray (Geelong, 1999)
0 – Billy Morrison (Collingwood, 2003)

Games by players selected with pick 17
Average: 74.4

Games played in completed careers
0-49: 10
50-99: 6
100-149: 4
150-199: 1
200+: 2

The best pick 17s

James Kelly (Geelong, 2001): 313 games (273 at Geelong, 40 at Essendon), All Australian (2011), three-time premiership player (2007, 09, 11)

Harry Taylor (Geelong, 2007): 237 games, two-time All Australian (2010, 13), two-time premiership player (2009, 2011)

Scott Welsh (North Melbourne, 1995): 205 games (36 at North Melbourne, 129 at Adelaide, 40 at the Western Bulldogs), premiership player (1999)

https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/afl-draft-pick-17-richmond-tigers-james-kelly-harry-taylor-nab-national/1dgts6qemu0a51txdquq6pan1e

[Diocletian]

First pick on either Collier-Dawkins, Smith, Valente, Stocker or Stack in that order - big N-O to Jones, particularly if we want immediate impact.

Mitch Podhaski with a later pick would be excellent.

[one-eyed]

Buckenara ranks Collier-Dawkins at our pick.

17. RILEY COLLIER-DAWKINS

Midfielder, 193cm, 88kg, Oakliegh Chargers

Buckenara says: There’s a lot to like about Collier-Dawkins because even though he’s 193cm, he’s a midfielder who can go forward and take a mark and kick a goal. That’s the prototype for the current-day midfielder and I think it will see him have a lot of clubs ready to pounce in the draft.

Plays like: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/gary-buckenara-names-his-top-30-draft-prospects-ahead-of-what-has-been-labelled-the-next-super-draft/news-story/3e632480d76f92ab844973d18586c028

18. RHYLEE WEST

[big tone]

Without knowing much about the other potential players around our first pick, this kid is precisely what we need.
He looks to have good pace, looks good below his knees for a player of his height and looks to have a good leg on him.
Put some meat on his bones and he could be the next Patty Cripps.

[torch]

Buckenara ranks Collier-Dawkins at our pick.

17. RILEY COLLIER-DAWKINS

Midfielder, 193cm, 88kg, Oakliegh Chargers

Buckenara says: There’s a lot to like about Collier-Dawkins because even though he’s 193cm, he’s a midfielder who can go forward and take a mark and kick a goal. That’s the prototype for the current-day midfielder and I think it will see him have a lot of clubs ready to pounce in the draft.

Plays like: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/gary-buckenara-names-his-top-30-draft-prospects-ahead-of-what-has-been-labelled-the-next-super-draft/news-story/3e632480d76f92ab844973d18586c028

18. RHYLEE WEST

193cm midfielder? yes please! Does he have a motor?

[Diocletian]

 

[YellowandBlackBlood]

Correct. It would take a minor miracle for him to slip to us.

[Diocletian]

..and knowing us we'd probably pass.....

[georgies31]

Best availability for us at our pick will be sliders no doubt let's keep our mind open.I like that Foley kid WA. Love to get Lewis SA kid in second rd pick very good inside midfielder.

[one-eyed]

Xavier Duursma moulds himself on Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin

November 3, 2018
Matt Balmer
FOX SPORTS

HE is the draft prospect who moulds himself on Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

And there’s no surprise he is held in such high regard by not only AFL club recruiting departments, but the boys in the draft pool who have played alongside him.

Meet Xavier Duursma. The 18-year-old Vic Country prospect who looms as a potential first-round pick after a consistent season at both the TAC Cup and Under 18 Championships.

The Gippsland Power captain is one of the best leaders in the draft pool, and explained he looks up to Richmond’s 2017 premiership captain Trent Cotchin as a role model as to how best to lead a team.

“(I) probably (mould myself on) Trent Cotchin,” Duursma told foxfooty.com.au at the AFL draft combine.

“(Also) probably a bit of Isaac Smith. I think I’ve got a bit of balance of both, like my leadership and head in the whole sort of stuff, like Trent Cotchin and that’s all I can do.

“Also a bit of outside run and penetrating kicks like Isaac Smith, so I think I’ve got a bit of both which is good.”

Duursma averaged 22.8 disposals and 5.2 tackles during the TAC Cup, where he lead the Power to a Preliminary Final — their best result in over five years.

“I’ve been pretty happy with my year so far,” Duursma explained.

“Got Power to second spot on the ladder, I’m pretty happy with that. We went pretty deep into finals, so I would’ve liked to play in the Grand Final and gone all the way, but that’s footy — you’re going to get wins and losses.

“I think still it’s a pretty successful year for me and the team, I think I’ve played some good footy consistently.”

One of Duursma’s best performances for the season came on the MCG, where Vic Country and Vic Metro clashed ahead of the Collingwood and Carlton match in June.

The midfielder collected 19 disposals, seven inside 50s and five clearances as one of his team’s best players in the loss.

The 185cm prospect also has the capabilities to play across half back and reads the play well, where he can take a strong overhead mark.

“It was an amazing feeling getting out there on the ‘G. It’s a cauldron, you walk out and it’s there,” he said.

“To be able to play a good game there, it was pretty awesome. First time on the ‘G, can only hope for a few more and it was an amazing experience and great to play well there.”

Duursma has links to the AFL, after father Dean was on Melbourne’s list while Uncle Jamie also played 59 games for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Every Test, ODI & T20I live, ad-break free during play and in 4K. Only on Foxtel. SIGN UP TODAY!

Clubs have asked Duursma how he would go away from family if they draft him, but his only major concern would be around his cooking situation.

“(Clubs) like to know how you’ll move away from home and how you think you’ll handle it. How would you cook for yourself? How would you try and clean? All that sort of stuff,” he said.

“Just how you’re going to handle the training, what example you’re going to set.”

But when prompted about his own cooking skills, Duursma said he had a lot to learn and would be hoping to move in with a player who knows their way around a kitchen.

“I’m not a good cook,” Duursma said with a laugh.

“I’ll have to practice it, try and find someone who can help me.”

Away from football, Duursma enjoys surfing and camping, where he can often be found spending many summer days in Wilsons Promontory on the east coast of Victoria.

Every AFL club could do with a leader like Duursma and there’s no surprise the talented teenager is in hot demand with less than four weeks until the draft.



https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2018-xavier-duursma-moulds-himself-on-richmond-premiership-captain-trent-cotchin/news-story/6927e08c91211d7d26762737852ef34a

[one-eyed]

Here are Foxsports's draft rankings 26-50.

So the draftees that are likely to still be available at our first two picks.

AFL Draft 2018: Power rankings, draft board, hidden gems, top prospects

Matt Balmer
FOX SPORTS
5 Nov 2018

THE clock is ticking down until the 2018 AFL national draft, which this year will be held over two days on November 22 and 23.

Some clubs have tasty first-round selections, while others have traded away their top picks, meaning they will be hunting the hidden gems in the draft pool.

Foxfooty.com.au presents its draft board with players ranked from 26 to 50, with players ranked 1 to 25 to be revealed in coming weeks.

NOTE: No mature-age prospects have been included in the rankings.

26. Luke VALENTE

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 80kg

Bio: The inside midfielder captained South Australia in the Under 18 Championships. And after scoring an invite to the AFL draft at Marvel Stadium, he could well be drafted inside the first round. His contested ball winning ability is impressive and he won South Australia’s MVP at the carnival, averaging 22.8 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency.

27. Will KELLY

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Key defender

Size: 193cm, 83kg

Bio: The athletic defender is the son of former Collingwood player Craig and is eligible to join the Magpies as a father-son prospect in the draft. Kelly got better with every game he played in the Under 18 Championships, performing well on the MCG against Vic Country and showed off his marking ability right throughout the year. Kelly can also play as a key forward if needed.

28. Bailey WILLIAMS

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Key forward/Ruck

Size: 198cm, 95kg

Bio: The athletic tall has a wide draft range, but could even be snapped up inside the first round. At his very best, Williams is hard to stop, where he leaps high above all other opposition players. His leap helps him pull down big marks, while he often dominates the ruck thanks to his height. He was also a member of the AFL Academy. Williams is very mobile when the ball hits the ground, he is as athletic as any general forward.

29. Xavier O’HALLORAN

Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 83kg

Bio: The inside midfielder is one of the best leaders in the 2018 draft pool. The Vic Metro captain showed an extra string to his bow during the Under 18 Championships, pushing forward and booting multiple goals. The 18-year-old wins the contested ball and is strong at winning the clearances.

30. Connor McFADYEN

Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies

Position: Midfielder

Size: 190cm, 88kg

Bio: McFadyen jumped onto the scene early in the season when he booted four goals in a trial match at Ikon Park. The inside midfielder missed the draft combine through injury, but showed his skills during the Under 18 Championships and was named in the All-Australian squad. He can win the football in the contest and works hard to get the ball inside 50.

31. Toby BEDFORD

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Forward/Midfielder

Size: 176cm, 65kg

Bio: The Melbourne next generation academy prospect had a fine finish to the season, which helped him rise up draft boards. Bedford possesses outstanding speed and the indigenous prospect was a strong contributor at all levels. He is far from the finish product and has plenty of improvement left in him.

32. Luke FOLEY

Clubs: Subiaco/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 75kg

Bio: The 19-year-old was completely overlooked last year by all 18 clubs, but in 2018 he seems destined to have his name called out on draft night. The tall inside midfielder has battled multiple injury setbacks throughout 2018, but has shown at all levels he is capable of becoming a strong player at AFL level. He uses it well and has a strong athletic ability. Also kicks it well off his right boot.

33. Kieren BRIGGS

Clubs: GWS Giants Academy/Allies

Position: Ruck/Key forward

Size: 200cm, 98kg

Bio: The Greater Western Sydney Academy prospect had an outstanding season and was named in the All-Australia side after the national carnival. The ruckman is physical in the contest but can also be useful at ground level where he is mobile and reasonably clean below his knees. Briggs won the Allies’ MVP after averaging 24 hit-outs during the carnival.

34. Sydney STACK

Clubs: Perth/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 177cm, 72kg

Bio: On talent alone, Stack is one of the more impressive prospects to come out of Western Australia. The indigenous midfielder jumped into the WAFL league for Perth this season, not looking out of place. Stack is good at the stoppages and in the contest, possessing good smarts and skills. He has the capability to do some eye-catching things that others in the draft pool cannot.

35. Buku KHAMIS

Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro

Position: Key defender

Size: 190cm, 81kg

Bio: The Sudanese key defender is linked with the Western Bulldogs via their next generation academy. Khamis is a tall defender who intercepts the ball with ease in the defensive 50. The left-foot kick was also named in the Under 18 All-Australian team, averaging 14.8 disposals and 3.8 marks per game.

36. Fraser TURNER

Clubs: Clarence/Tasmania

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 75kg

Bio: The wingman runs hard all day on the outside and is a real link-up player who can get the ball from half-back to half-forward. Turner averaged 23.8 disposals for the Allies in Division 1 and was a strong performer for Tasmania in the Under 18 Academy Series. He is a reasonable kick and competes well around the ground.

37. Jack ROSS

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 85kg

Bio: The strong-bodied midfielder does everything you want from an inside player: He tackles hard and wins the clearances. While he could polish up a few things in his game, his inside work is very attractive and he is a powerful prospect. Might be one of the few prospects who didn’t represent their state during the year that will get a chance in the draft.

38. Will HAMILL

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays

Position: Utility

Size: 185cm, 70kg

Bio: Hamill has the capabilities to play anywhere on the ground, but looks most suited to playing as a defender. In defensive 50, he has the capabilities to break the lines and rebound the ball at speed. Hamill is a decent kick of the football and can mark well overhead. Was part of the Dandenong Stingrays’ TAC Cup premiership.

39. Ely SMITH

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 86kg

Bio: Smith’s mid-season form was so good that he was rushed into the Vic Country squad for their final match of the carnival. The contested bull averaged 23.5 disposals and 5.0 tackles at TAC Cup level and is a strong stoppage player. He proved any doubters over his running ability wrong at the AFL draft combine, performing well in the endurance events.

40. Jarrod CAMERON

Clubs: Swan Districts/Western Australia

Position: Forward

Size: 180cm, 69kg

Bio: The creative small forward has speed and goal nous, highlighted by his five goals for WA in the Under 18 Championships against Vic Country. The brother of Brisbane Lions’ Charlie has plenty of potential and is linked to the West Coast Eagles, via their next generation academy.

41. Laitham VANDERMEER

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Position: Defender

Size: 180cm, 76kg

Bio: The over-ager narrowly missed out on being drafted last year after spending most of his time at Xavier College. But the defender has line-breaking speed which can be used to his advantage. He missed a chunk of the middle of the season after an Ian Hill sling tackle in the Under 18 Championships resulted in a broken collarbone and a concussion. He showed his capabilities at times up on a wing throughout 2018.

42. Harry REYNOLDS

Clubs: Brighton Grammar/Sandringham Dragons

Position: Midfielder

Size: 190cm, 75kg

Bio: The Brighton Grammar footballer’s fine season saw him jump into the eyes of recruiters after dominating the APS private school boy competition. The on-baller has plenty of upside and moves very well in the midfield. He also has a long arm span and can leap high in the air, meaning he has the ability to play forward, which he did during his junior football days. Was a late call-up to the Sandringham Dragons squad, playing four games and averaging 17.5 disposals.

43. Jack BYTEL

Clubs: Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 189cm, 80kg

Bio: It’s been a frustrating season for the inside midfielder, who was sidelined with a nasty back injury. But Bytel has enough runs on the board to suggest he should be drafted. The contested ball winner is good at the stoppages and has the ability to win plenty of the ball. Was a member of the AFL Academy.

44. Jacob KOSCHITZKE

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Allies

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm, 94kg

Bio: The tall defender is a strong contested mark and won All-Australian honours after a fine Under 18 Championships. The cousin of former St Kilda player Justin Koschitzke, he’s strong in one-on-one battles and took 49 marks this season in the TAC Cup.

45. Oscar BROWNLESS

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 76kg

Bio: The son of Geelong great Billy is set to land at the club as a father-son selection. Brownless has shown his ability in 2018 playing mostly as a high half-forward, where he was a consistent performer at all levels. He has the ability to hit the scoreboard and can win the football in the contest.

46. Jacob KENNERLEY

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm, 76kg

Bio: The running machine not only took out the 2km time trial at the AFL draft combine, he broke the record. Kennerley also has a good mix of speed, along with damaging skills. The midfielder is a big ball winner, blitzing the SANFL Under 18 competition for Norwood. He averaged 18.0 disposals for SA during the Under 18 Championships.

47. James ROWBOTTOM

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 185cm, 78kg

Bio: The midfielder had a consistent season at all levels. While his foot skills is an area he can improve, his ball-winning nous and clearance work is his strength. He can win the contested ball and gets the ball inside 50 on multiple occasions during games.

48. Joe AYTON-DELANEY

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Defender

Size: 179cm, 68kg

Bio: The rebounding defender isn’t hard to miss during games, standing out not only with his red boots but his trademark run and dash from defensive 50. Ayton-Delaney has plenty of tricks and rebounds the ball well. He is very agile, but his small frame means he is likely to spend some time in the state leagues before AFL game time, if drafted. His very best, though, would make an impact at AFL level. He often had 20-plus disposals during the year in the TAC Cup.

49. Tom JOYCE

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 181cm, 73kg

Bio: A hip injury curtailed Joyce’s season, but he has shown enough in the last three years to suggest he will find a home in November’s national draft. The small midfielder is a strong runner and his outstanding endurance means he can work hard all day in the middle of the ground. His tackling and pressure off the ball is also impressive. Was a member of the AFL Academy.

50. Josh KEMP

Clubs: PEGS/Calder Cannons

Position: Forward

Size: 184cm, 73kg

Bio: Kemp was a late riser after blitzing the AGSV schoolboy football competition, where he played for PEGS. Kemp booted multiple bags of goals and was called up to Calder’s TAC Cup squad, where he didn’t look out of place. Kemp showed off his strong marking ability and his mobility and goal sense. A club could well take a punt on the 18-year-old in the national draft.

https://coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/afl/afl-2018-draft-board-power-rankings-26-to-50-the-hidden-gems-that-loom-as-draft-bargains/news-story/9f1044dcf7c125149ed2139eaa5108e3?__twitter_impression=true

[one-eyed]

The Tigers don’t exactly have a pressing need on their list, despite the Preliminary Final loss to Collingwood, and they will look to take the best available player. Half forward Sam Sturt could be the player to fall into their lap and the first-round bolter had a strong finals campaign for the Dandenong Stingrays.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2018-the-player-your-club-should-take-with-its-first-pick/news-story/081efba0341aa28af27e5f0ae63feebc