SAM LANDSBERGER’S EARLY TIPS FOR THIS YEAR’S TOP 10Herald-Sun
Wednesday, July 3, 20131. TOM BOYD (Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges, 199cm, 102kg)
The gorilla power forward who has clubs licking their lips. A dominant spearhead set to return from ankle damage late in the TAC Cup season.
2. MATT SCHARENBERG (South Australia, 190cm, 89kg)
The ultimate prototype of an AFL player. Great size, elite kick, can play in just about any position - much like Brendon Goddard - and reads the play exceptionally well.
3. JOSH KELLY (Vic Metro/Sandringham Dragons, 182cm, 73kg)
Endurance machine with a pin-point left boot complemented by smarts on his opposite side. Narrowly overlooked in last year’s mini-draft.
4. JAMES AISH (South Australia, 183cm, 74kg)
All-Australian last year and the youngest ever SANFL premiership player. Gets tagged each week and resembles Scott Pendlebury. Still getting back to his best after a long layoff with shoulder surgery.
5. JACK BILLINGS (Vic Metro/Oakleigh Chargers, 183cm, 78kg)
Another All-Australian from last year, his goal sense and overhead marking make him a devastating half-forward.
6. LUKE MCDONALD (Vic Metro/Werribee VFL, 188cm, 90kg) (Kangaroos father-son)
A rebounding half-back who’s biggest weapon is his powerful left foot. Will cost the Roos their first pick.
7. DOMINIC SHEED (Western Australia, 182cm, 82kg)
The player of the carnival until breaking his collarbone last Friday. The best inside midfielder who can go outside and boot crucial goals. Eagles would love this Simon Black type.
8. LEWIS TAYLOR (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons, 173cm, 73kg)
Small, but as creative as they come. Takes opponents on and backs his speed and crafty sidestep, ala Brent Harvey.
9. BEN LENNON (Vic Metro/Northern Knights, 187cm, 79kg)
Hard-working flanker with great hands and an excellent finisher, much like Bob Murphy. Boasts plenty of tricks.
10. KADE KOLODJASHNIJ (Tasmania, 188cm, 76kg)
Soaring up the rankings as a ball magnet who can control matches between the arcs. Good decision-maker suited to the modern game.
* West Australians Jack Martin (Gold Coast) and Jesse Hogan (Melbourne) graduated to AFL clubs last year through the mini-draft
OTHER NAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON TODAYHugh Goddard (Vic Country) - Brendon's cousin. Not eligible until next year.
Marcus Bontempelli (Vic Metro) - Nick Dal Santo's cousin - and it shows.
Darcy Gardiner (Vic Country) - Announced himself shutting down Jesse Hogan on the national stage last year. Competitive beast expected to return today. Should go early in the draft.
Zach Merrett (Vic Country) - Jackson's brother. Boasts a lovely kick.
Jonathan Marsh (WA) - Freakishly athletic forward. Right in the top 10 mix.
Mitch Harvey (SA) - Star AFL scout Matty Rendell's nephew. Tall forward with nice agility and clean hands.
Darcy Hourigan (SA) - A beast who dominated against Metro last week. Looms as the focal point in attack today.
Josh Scott (Vic Country) - A late developing 19-year-old from Lakes Entrance who has 46 TAC Cup goals this season. Might not play against Metro.
Cam McCarthy (WA) - Goaled on the siren to beat Vic Country in Geelong last Friday. The last player to do that was Buddy Franklin nine years ago.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/draft-watch-see-the-predicted-top-10-for-this-years-draft-before-the-national-championships-conclude/story-fnelctok-1226673363353#mm-breached
