Pick 12: Richmond – Liam Duggan
Position: Defender/midfielder
Height: 183 cm, Weight: 76 kg, DOB: 11/12/1996
Club: Western Jets
Projected draft range: 10-25
Plays like: Steele Sidebottom
A bubbly character off-field, the ‘baby-faced assassin’ is another draft prospect that is gifted in terms of poise, hurt factor and game-winning attributes. Duggan won the Ben Mitchell medal for this year’s AFL-AIS intake, and has an arsenal of weaponry that far exceeds most in this year’s draft crop. Playing in an array of positions, Duggan offers get-up-and-go from half back, is particularly dangerous around the stoppages, and loves to run and carry with his line-breaking speed. The talented left footer has also shown he’s dangerous and effective around goal, kicking three final-quarter goals against the Northern Knights earlier in the year from just four disposals in a come-from-behind win. Duggan’s penetrating kick is his primary asset, but his ability to read the ball well in the air – along with both good vision and speed – suggests his best position will eventually be situated in the midfield with resting stints at half back. Despite his slim build, Duggan can win his own ball and tackles strongly. Coupled with his rebounding and attacking style of play as well as his long left foot, Duggan would be a welcome addition to Punt Road.
Pick 13: Fremantle – Hugh Goddard
Position: Key forward/defender
Height: 196 cm, Weight: 93 kg, DOB: 24/08/1996
Club: Geelong Falcons
Projected draft range: 10-25
Plays like: Lachie Henderson
Hugh Goddard’s last month of TAC Cup football was super impressive. He’s had scalps on the likes of Darcy Moore (twice), and in between he’s been pushed forward where he’s had an impact. Despite this season being one which was largely quiet thanks to a pre-season hip injury and a permanent lock-down role in defence, Goddard has runs on the board and his football character is exceptional. Recruiters and scouts have been quick to talk about his return to top 10 calculations after a stunning finals campaign, where he was arguably Geelong’s best. With the bevy of key talls all in the frame for that selection, Goddard can hold his head high with his second half of the year. Athletically speaking, he is terrific and is still a premier swingman, who may or may not come at a bargain price this November. I’m a big wrap for both his ground level work and his marking game, while he also possesses a really nice, long penetrating kick that often finds targets. He’s quick off the mark, and boasts athleticism and a big leap that enables him to play a role at either end of the ground, while he also doesn’t mind embarking on a run from half back to create drive.
Pick 14: Adelaide – Caleb Marchbank
Position: Defender/forward
Height: 193 cm, Weight: 85 kg, DOB: 7/12/1996
Club: Murray Bushrangers
Projected draft range: 5-20
Plays like: Harry Taylor
The key position swingman has caught the eye of many teams to find his draft stocks rapidly rising. Arguably the best intercept mark in the TAC Cup competition, Marchbank’s performances at the National Championships were scintillating, whilst his TAC Cup form was consistent. He plays predominantly in defence, where his ability to read the ball in flight whether under pressure or not is exceptional. Meanwhile, his eagerness to rebound from the back half makes him a real playmaker on the counter attack. Marchbank could best be described as not too dissimilar to Jarrad Waite: he backs himself to win a contested mark, he can mark over his head when he’s expecting contact, and uses his strength in his kicking to set up further afield. He keeps opposition forwards quiet, whilst also having a big influence on the game himself – something not many key defenders have luck doing. Given his athleticism, Marchbank could really develop into a prototype utility, playing on a wing, half-forward or half-back to fill any need required: by the same token, he does look most settled in defence.
Pick 15: Gold Coast – Brayden Maynard
Position: Midfielder/forward
Height: 186 cm, Weight: 88 kg, DOB: 20/09/1996
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 15-30
Plays like: Ryan O’Keefe
Brayden Maynard is a slick utility type who does his best work off the packs with an ability to kick on either side of his body. The hard-nosed, balanced midfielder is somebody that is targeted by opposition teams to shut down, given his ability to quickly set up play and importantly stream forward to goal. He’s been utilised in an array of positions, ultimately looming as more of a forward in his early career. However, with increased endurance and running power, he has the potential to make the move into the midfield in the long term. Aside from his brilliant goal kicking, Maynard is an aerial specialist with strong hands in a contest, who also marks strongly around the ground. He was arguably the player of the finals series for Sandringham, with the contested side of his game dramatically increasing in the back end of the season.
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Goddard would be OK
Chaplin out Hugh in
