Phantom Draft: November Editionby Paige Cardona
scpaige.com.au
November 14, 2013Full phantom draft:
http://www.scpaige.com.au/phantom-draft-november-edition/Our picks ....
Pick 12 – RICHMOND
Ben LennonClub: Northern Knights
D.O.B.: 5.7.1995
Height: 188cm
Weight: 77kg
Position: Medium Forward/Utility
Plays Like: Dayne Beams
With talent like this available, Ben Lennon will not get past the Tigers here at pick 12, which is an absolute gift at this selection. Lennon initially trained with Richmond for a week earlier this year, as part of his AFL-AIS club placement, and the Tigers were immediately impressed with what they saw, however believed they would not be in the draft earlier enough to see him return to the Tigers once more. Lennon however, is the best offensive player in this year’s draft pool, and offensive weapon who is as dangerous as he is damaging – Lennon is an extraordinary talent. Although he’s had his critics, Lennon has saluted and executed everything asked of him this season, in what has been a demonstration of his character, work ethic and desire to compete at the next level. In the past Lennon has been comfortable off half forward, where his speed, agility and incredible marking game and a long, long penetrating kick have served him well, recruiters dared him to take his game to the next level and push up into the midfield, and towards the end of the TAC Cup season, Lennon didn’t disappoint. The move did Lennon wonders, averaging 28 disposals and two goals a game, it bought out areas of Lennon’s game that perhaps hadn’t been exposed, such as his vision, awareness and ability to really link up and prove a damaging kick going inside 50. Lennon’s strengths are his kicking and his marking, and he’s also been discussed as a player who can play a variety of roles, even off half back where some recruiters really fancy him. Lennon’s versatility means that he could prove to have some serious x-factor. He offers excitement, passion and can really turn the momentum of games with one act of brilliance. Lennon was also a three-way joint winner of the clean hands test, and rated highly in the kick rating testing at the combine, whilst also averaging 28 disposals playing for Vic Metro in the championships this year.
Other Prospects: It’s really a best available basis here for Richmond, and they’ll get their hands on one of the top 10 sliders, which looms to be Lennon. Christian Salem was originally thought to have been available here, but that looks to have diminished. Some recruiters believe that Matthew Scharenberg or Marcus Bontempelli could be available at pick 12 – which is hard to fathom given their high interest further up the pecking order.
Pick 50 – RICHMOND
Riley Knight Club: Woodville West Torrens
D.O.B.: 27.3.1995
Height: 180cm
Weight: 72kg
Position: Medium Midfielder/Utility
Plays Like: Kieran Harper
Riley Knight’s appetite for the ball almost goes unmeasured, in that he just knows how to hunt and attack the ball, always moving into the best places. More of an outside player than anything, Knight is a classy goal-kicking midfielder who has some toe. Brilliant two-way runner, Knight racks up a lot of the ball, and uses it effectively, and has a huge desire to lay plenty of tackles. He’s got speed and endurance, but I get the feeling he might do a Nick Graham and slide into the third or fourth rounds despite being rated higher. Knight has some serious toe and agility that would be more than welcome at Richmond.
Pick 66 – RICHMOND
Will MaginnessTeam: Oakleigh Chargers
D.O.B: 13.1.995
Height: 182
Weight: 75kgs
Position: Medium Midfielder/Forward
Plays Like: Jarrad McVeigh
Although slight, Will Maginness’ commitment to the cause cannot be questioned; his courage, hardness and ferocity at the ball is what makes him really stand out. The Oakleigh Co-Captain has had a good season at TAC Cup Level in between APS commitments and the National Championships, and has been the cornerstone of the Chargers’ year, despite not making finals. Although not quite an inside midfielder, Maginness is a stoppage specialist – his clearances and pressure acts make him a terrific prospect at the draft table come November. Maginness offers plenty on the outside, especially off a half back where his line-breaking runs cut through the opposition, taking the game on – Maginness can really fire his team up, and ignite his side with some inspirational run-and-carry. Not to be underpined as a one-dimensional player, Maginness has shown enormous ability to play in a number of roles, excelling off a half back flank, and resting forward where his ability to play as a defensive forward, yet can still offer a minor ability to kick goals.
Read the full phantom draft at: http://www.scpaige.com.au/phantom-draft-november-edition/