Phantom draft: How the top 30 shapes upCallum Twomey
afl.com.au
November 19, 2013 7:30 PMhttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-19/phantom-draft-how-the-top-30-shapes-up1. Greater Western Sydney
TOM BOYD
22/8/95, 200cm, 103kg, Eastern Ranges
No surprises here. Boyd has been the nominal No.1 pick for about a year now, and on Thursday night it will finally become reality. The powerful, strong-marking tall forward didn't end up playing a heap of footy in 2013 due to his serious ankle injury but he will be right to go in the pre-season and would be expecting to play AFL next year. Boyd kicks straight, dominates games and wants to be very, very good.
If not him? Nobody else. He's a Giant.
2. Greater Western Sydney
JOSH KELLY
12/2/95, 184cm, 75kg, Sandringham Dragons
Kelly is the best midfielder of the draft, a player who runs and runs, but who complements his aerobic base with footy smarts and skills. The Sandringham Dragon was close to being picked at last year's mini-draft but missed out, so turned himself into an even more complete player. He worked on his inside game, made the All Australian team, and is headed for the Giants midfield.
If not him? It would be a massive surprise.
3. St Kilda
JACK BILLINGS
18/8/95, 185cm, 76kg, Oakleigh Chargers
Billings might end up the best player of the draft, with the capacity to do a lot of things that most others can't. He turns games with his brilliant kicking and marking. He also kicks goals, lots of them, and sets up more. He managed a knee injury through this season and a groin complaint, but still made the All Australian side, played well when he moved into the midfield and shaped games.
If not him? It came down to a race in two for the Saints, with Matt Scharenberg the other. James Aish is the big outsider.
4. Western Bulldogs
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
24/11/95, 194cm, 84kg, Northern Knights
The Bulldogs have moved late on Bontempelli, interviewing him again this week. That's probably because Bontempelli himself was a late riser, and he's in this position basically on the back of a six-week stretch at the end of the season - and what he promises to become in the future. The big and tall inside midfielder is excellent at the clearances and can also play as a leading forward.
And if not him? James Aish is the other leading contender, with Matt Scharenberg there, too.
5. Gold Coast
KADE KOLODJASHNIJ
9/8/95, 190cm, 79kg, Launceston
For a long time Gold Coast has been linked to the classy Tasmanian and Kolodjashnij appears headed to the Suns on Thursday. After a big rise this year, which included being added to the AIS-AFL Academy and All Australian honours, most clubs view Kolodjashnij as one of the best six players in the draft. He's smart, calm with the ball and loves to run with it and set up the play, and is a player who suits the Gold Coast mould.
And if not him? They'd have to consider Jack Billings if he got through, but they have put a lot of time into Kolodjashnij. He seems likely to get the nod over James Aish if both are there.
6. Collingwood
JAMES AISH
8/11/95, 184cm, 74kg, Norwood
The Lions would not have thought earlier in the year that Aish would be available at pick seven. The classy and composed midfielder sees the game unfold in front of him and moves with it, setting up the play. He's a terrific kick and had the best kicking efficiency at the mid-year under-18 championships.
If not him? Matt Scharenberg is a strong chance, and others in the mix for the Pies are Christian Salem, Nathan Freeman, Cameron McCarthy and Marcus Bontempelli.
7. Brisbane
MATT SCHARENBERG
18/9/95, 191cm, 88kg, Glenelg
Scharenberg has become the wildcard of the draft with most clubs unable to get a read on where he fits. He played most of the season across half-back and that seems his best spot but he can be moved around. He missed the end of the season with a foot injury, which also forced him to miss the NAB AFL Draft Combine, but most clubs don't believe it will have a big impact on his draft placing.
And if not him? Marcus Bontempelli is high on their list, and Scharenberg could also land there. Cameron McCarthy is in the group of four, too.
8. North Melbourne
LUKE McDONALD
9/2/95, 190cm, 85kg, Werribee/Oakleigh Chargers
McDonald will miss the draft at the Gold Coast because he is already training with North Melbourne at the club's high altitude camp in Utah. After North committed to him last year, McDonald played this season with Werribee at VFL level and did well, particularly in the finals where he was one of his side's best. Last month West Coast bid its first pick (No.6) on McDonald, which forced the Roos to use their first pick (No.
on the father-son prospect.
If not him? Not applicable for the Roos. He's locked in.
9. Melbourne
CHRISTIAN SALEM
15/7/95, 185cm, 78kg, Sandringham Dragons
A precise-kicking, strong-marking midfielder who can also play across half-back or closer to goal. Salem brings class to every game, directing games with his pinpoint passing and smarts. He's quick and strong and versatile, and will likely push in to taste some AFL action next season.
If not him? It's Nathan Freeman. The Demons have long been linked to the speedy midfielder and it appears it's one Sandringham Dragon or the other. If Scharenberg gets there, they'll have some thinking to do.
10. Collingwood
NATHAN FREEMAN
16/6/95, 184cm, 85kg, Sandringham Dragons
The draft gets some speed with Freeman, who is the quickest player at the top end. He can win his own disposals, tuck the ball under an arm and burst away, and then boot the ball long. He loves to run forward and kick goals, too. Freeman tested exceptionally well at the combine and the Magpies might be keen to add some more speed to their midfield.
And if not him? They like Ben Lennon, while Salem is a shot if he gets through. The other one is hard to read forward Cameron McCarthy.
11. West Coast
DOM SHEED
27/4/95, 187cm, 83kg, Subiaco
When the Eagles traded down the draft order during trade period – from pick six to 11 – they clearly thought one of their preferred players at pick six would be available at 11. One is Sheed, a West Australian midfielder who hunts the ball, wins clearances and gets things going. He missed the second half of the season with a broken collarbone he suffered during the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
If not him? Ben Lennon. The Eagles really like the Victorian half-forward. Nathan Freeman is an outside chance.
12. Richmond
BEN LENNON
5/7/95, 189cm, 80kg, Northern Knights
Richmond saw Lennon up close for a week during January and was highly impressed. He's a half-forward who marks and kicks exceptionally well, and plays on instinct. He made the All Australian side this year after a strong showing at the championships and then moved into the midfield later in the year, where he showed his ball-winning talents.
If not him? Christian Salem is a strong chance, while they really like Zak Jones. Matt Crouch is an outside possibility as well.
Meet Ben Lennon: Exclusive interview, match video and draft analysis 13. Carlton
CAMERON McCARTHY
1/4/95, 194cm, 83kg, South Fremantle
A high-flying key forward who is the second-best tall in the pool. McCarthy is being judged on a relatively small sample of games, having burst onto the scene before breaking his leg in the final game of the championships. He kicks straight, leaps into packs and is agile when the ball hits the ground. Carlton doesn't have too many young talls of McCarthy's ilk.
If not him? Patrick Cripps is all the rage. The Blues are big fans of the West Australian and they seem set to grab an inside midfielder if they don't swoop on a key forward. Freeman could get to 13, while Luke Dunstan is also a possibility.
14. Greater Western Sydney
LEWIS TAYLOR
17/2/95, 175cm, 75kg, Geelong Falcons
The small midfielder is a terrific player, one who creates things at the stoppages and also runs with the ball. In his second year with the Vic Country under-18 team, Taylor captained the side and won a place in the All Australian team. He's enthusiastic and might even start his career as a small half-forward because he is clever around goal when he spends more time down there.
If not him? If Ben Lennon's available the Giants will grab him. Darcy Gardiner has been linked, and if they really want ruck Rory Lobb they could go for him.
15. Sydney
TOM CUTLER
20/2/95, 190cm, 85kg, Oakleigh Chargers
Cutler hasn't played a whole lot of footy this year due to injury but when he was out there last year he played a big role in the Oakleigh Chargers' TAC Cup premiership. Cutler is a tall, athletic running half-back who can mark and kick long. He has the modern attributes like pace and strength and would give the Swans another half-back option.
If not him? They like crafty midfielder Zach Merrett, hard half-back Zak Jones is an option, and they have been linked to big man Michael Apeness. Patrick Cripps is another.
16. Geelong
ZAK JONES
15/3/95, 183cm, 75kg, Dandenong Stingrays
Jones is a vastly improved player who has shot up the draft across this season. He attacks the contest hard, is good overhead and can move into the midfield, where he played some good footy at the end of the year for the Dandenong Stingrays, The brother of Melbourne midfielder Nathan, Jones has the same aggressive, hard-at-it streak. Geelong has been known fans for some time.
If not him? Blake Acres is under consideration as is Patrick Cripps. If they go tall, Darcy Gardiner will be in the mix.
17. Fremantle
BLAKE ACRES
7/10/95, 190cm, 87kg, West Perth
A mystery of sorts, given Acres was another who had an injury-interrupted season. He's a tall, strong midfielder who likes to roam around the ground and take marks and did that a lot when he played with West Perth. He had shoulder surgery after the under-18 championships and didn't play again, leaving him a bit underdone when he tested at the combine. Fremantle is keen to secure a West Australian.
If not him? Michael Apeness is on their radar, and it would be a coup for the Dockers if McCarthy was available, although it seems unlikely.
18. St Kilda
PATRICK CRIPPS
18/3/95, 191cm, 91kg, East Fremantle
The big-bodied midfielder was one of the standouts at the under-18 championships, where he used his size and strength to dominate at the stoppages. He's a clearance specialist and with his strong build, would have the ability to get some senior action next year. Needs to build up his tank but that will be a work in progress.
If not him? Luke Dunstan is in the frame, as is Trent Dumont and Zach Merrett.
19. St Kilda
BILLY HARTUNG
24/1/95, 178cm, 67kg, Dandenong Stingrays
Hartung is a dasher, able to run the lines and work through traffic. He's an outside player at this stage of his development who enjoys taking people on, seeing a gap between players and seizing it. He kicks with precision on both feet and can play as a half-back, half-forward or on the wing. He has spent considerable time with the Saints and they know his game back to front.
If not him? The Saints could look tall at one of these picks as well, with Darcy Gardiner and Michael Apeness possibilities to be available.
20. Gold Coast
JARMAN IMPEY
9/7/95, 178cm, 76kg, Murray Bushrangers
Impey found his feet across half-back in the second half of the year, when he was shifted there and started to use his run and rebound to get things going. He has good foot skills, an excellent turn of pace, and the ability to step through traffic. He is still comfortable near goal, too, and knows his way around when he plays more permanently up forward. Would add some dash to the Suns' defence.
If not him? Tom Cutler will be strongly considered if he's still left, with Zach Merrett and Jake Kolodjashnij also in with a chance at the Suns but perhaps more likely at 27. George Hewett is another possibility.
21. Port Adelaide
MICHAEL APENESS
28/1/95, 200cm, 98kg, Eastern Ranges
The Eastern Ranges big man takes marks, kicks goals, rucks well and does things with a minimum of fuss. He has shot up the draft order with a strong season and is now seen as one of the better talls available in the draft. Clubs see him mainly as a forward who will be able to pinch hit in the ruck, which makes Port Adelaide an option given they have made it known they want a young tall.
If not him? Jarman Impey has been linked with the club but if not Apeness it appears a midfielder will be taken: Luke Dunstan, Trent Dumont, Zach Merrett and George Hewett are in the mix. There has been plenty of talk about Jake Kolodjashnij and the Power.
22. Brisbane
MATT CROUCH
21/4/95, 183cm, 80kg, North Ballarat Rebels
Crouch is the best in the draft at what he's good at, and that's winning the footy and getting it out. He averaged 37 disposals this year at TAC Cup level with the North Ballarat Rebels, either side of a broken hand that sidelined him for six weeks. The question is on his running but he has always managed to find a way of getting to contests, and he would provide the Lions with another midfielder who is ready to go.
If not him? They might go with a key defender first, with Darcy Gardiner, Daniel McStay and Jake Kolodjashnij possibilities. Luke Dunstan and Trent Dumont will take the eye too.
23. Adelaide
LUKE DUNSTAN
29/1/95, 184cm, 83kg, Woodville-West Torrens
The South Australian ball-winner thrives on the contest, and you'd expect the Saints will take an inside midfielder with one of their first three selections. The left-footer finds a lot of the ball and is effective with it, and can also kick a goal or two when spending time in attack. Will enter the AFL having had some senior SANFL experience.
If not him? The Crows like Tom Cutler but he could be gone. Trent Dumont and Matt Crouch are chances, as are Malcolm Karpany and Michael Apeness.
24. Hawthorn
TRENT DUMONT
30/6/95, 185cm, 85kg, Norwood
The South Australian midfielder had a slightly disrupted season with an ankle injury but still showed his talents through the middle and across other spots on the ground. At his best, Dumont is a ball-getting, inside midfielder who enjoys winning the footy, busting through and delivering the ball. He's strong and mature, and was close to best afield in Norwood's SANFL Grand Final win. He offers the Hawks some more depth through the middle of the ground.
If not him? Dayle Garlett is the word. He's a shot at 24 or at one of the Hawks' later picks. They want midfielders, which brings George Hewett and maybe Zach Merrett into the picture as well.
25. Brisbane
DARCY GARDINER
22/9/95, 193cm, 86kg, Geelong Falcons
Gardiner is a competitive, in-your-face tall defender. In marking contests he finds a way to stop his opponent from getting the ball and he hates being beaten. He probably sits as the best key defender of the draft, despite being a couple of centimetres shorter than would be preferable as a tall at AFL level. The Lions really like him and he would add to their key defensive stocks.
If not him? They could swap it and grab a midfielder here and a tall at one of the other picks. Malcolm Karpany and Jarman Impey could be looked at.
26. Essendon
ZACH MERRETT
3/10/95, 180cm, 77kg, Sandringham Dragons
The small and creative midfielder has risen quickly this season, and had a strong year at all the levels he's played. Merrett is craft with the ball and uses it nicely on his left side, where he can kick long and kick goals. The brother of Essendon's Jackson, Merrett makes good decisions and has a natural, composed feel when he's in possession.
If not him? Rory Lobb is a big chance. The Bombers are very interested in the ruckman. An inside midfielder like Dumont, Dunstan and Darcy Lang might also be on their radar.
27. Gold Coast
JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ
9/8/95, 192cm, 90kg, Launceston
Kolodjashnij hasn't had the focus of his twin brother Kade but might well end up at the same club as him. Jake plays as a tall defender who is able to lock down on opponents whilst also providing some rebound. He was one of Tasmania's most consistent performers during the under-18 championships.
If not him? If Merrett's still around he'll be a good chance.
28. Brisbane
DANIEL McSTAY
24/6/95, 195cm, 87kg, Eastern Ranges
A left-footed key defender who can mark and kick well. Had an interrupted season with an elbow injury that limited him at times, but McStay has some offensive weapons that clubs like, and he is quite athletic for his size and shape.
If not him? Jake Kolodjashnij is another tall who will be in that range, as with smaller, skillful midfielder Malcolm Karpany.
29. Greater Western Sydney
RORY LOBB
9/2/93, 205cm, 98kg, Swan Districts
The 20-year-old has been touted as the best pure ruckman in the draft after an impressive season for Swan Districts. With a basketball background, Lobb is a late addition to the footy ranks but has some talent. He's raw, but a huge guy and can be an imposing target in attack when he moves down there.
If not him? The Giants can wait and see what spits out at them, really. A few players they rate will probably be available but they have been long linked to Lobb.
30. North Melbourne
GEORGE HEWETT
29/12/95, 185cm, 79kg, North Adelaide
Hewett has a lot of admirers and with good reason. He has neat skills on both sides of his body and is prepared to put his head over the ball, win it, and then come out with it. He had a good carnival with the South Australian under-18 side and also has a lot of upside – he is the youngest player in the draft as he doesn't turn 18 until December 29.
If not him? A key defender like McStay or Kolodjashnij could fall through. Impey and Crouch may also get to the Roos.
