Phantom Draft: October Editionby Paige Cardona
scpaige.com.au
October 29, 2013With the 2013 AFL trade period finally coming to a close, it’s time to re-connect with the latest instalment of my Phantom Draft, the October edition. After months of commentating TAC Cup Games, writing, blogging, interviewing and getting to know a vast majority of these young boys, I can honestly say that for me personally – this draft will go down as my favourite so far.
As all draft punters will tell you, this draft is particularly shallow and it quickly leans out midway through the second round. There is a gulf between the top 10 selections and the next 10, whilst the second round isn’t as highly rated as seasons gone by.
Full phantom draft and profiles here: http://www.scpaige.com.au/phantom-draft-october-edition/----------------------------------------------------------
Here's her selections for us ...
Pick 12 – RICHMOND
Christian SalemClub: Sandringham Dragons
D.O.B.: 15.7.1995
Height: 183cm
Weight: 81kg
Although there are plenty of elite ball users in this year’s draft, Salem just about gets the nod here. To use my buzz word “elite” again, Salem – just like Steele Sidebottom – is the type of player who confuses coaches and players, because you just don’t know which is his preferred side, so good he is on both. A supremely gifted athlete, Salem is a brilliant runner and when Salem takes off down a wing with the ball in hand, it is poetry in motion – he is a ripper! Physical, unforgiving – complete with speed and agility – and of course, that highly reliable long raking and penetrating left boot, he is always composed and reliable with the ball in hand. Salem is also a natural tackler, he displays courage and leadership and knows how to finish on goal. The epitome of a damaging footballer, Salem will constantly hurt the opposition and will give the service the quality talls in the Richmond forward line deserve. He’s going to send bullet-like forward-50 entries and kicking goals himself, for many years to come.
Other Prospects: A lot hinges on what Collingwood decide to do with pick 10, ditto that with the Dees at pick nine, however Christian Salem should still be around the mark. Ben Lennon has the potential to slide to pick 11, and there is a possibility that maybe Nathan Freeman could, too. Lewis Taylor may be a potential Tiger with this pick as a plan B.
Profile:
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-christian-salem/Pick 50 – RICHMOND
Dwayne WilsonClub: Sturt
D.O.B.: 17.1.1995
Height: 178cm
Weight: 75kg
A small midfielder who is lightening quick, Wilson is a terrific outside player, and uses his running game and agility to his advantage whenever at all possible. The explosive winger has made the move up the ground this year, after playing predominately as a small forward, it’s in this that his versatility has made him a hot prospect at this year’s draft. Wilson also is a prolific ball accumulator – along with his bag of tricks, he racks up big amounts of the ball, and his distribution by foot is the underpinning reason why he is so highly fancied. An elite kick, brilliant below his knees and clean in the air, Wilson adds serious speed and flexibility and could be the icing on the cake for the young emerging Richmond midfield if he falls this low. Does need to work on his effort over four quarters as he does tend to drift in and out of games quite often.
Profile:
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-dwayne-wilson/Pick 68 – RICHMOND
Tom VandeluerClub: South Fremantle
D.O.B: 20.03.1995
Height: 191cm
Weight: 90kg
Tom Vandeluer has really come on this season, and is exceptionally well built and offers versatility in defence whilst really stamping himself as a solid rebounding defender with good burst of speed and sound kick rating. Vandeluer has sound awareness and vision in traffic, but more so loves to run and carry. Vandeluer is athletic enough to play through the midfielder when required, yet relishes playing in defence where his intercept marking and ability to play a shutdown role make him a really good third to fourth best defender.
Profile:
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-tom-vandeluer/
