Here's a couple of phantom draft predictions for Richmond from footydraft and weaver on BF:
Weaver's phantom draft:8. Beau Dowler – RichmondShapes as a mobile CHF in the Ash Hansen style. One who can push up to the wings and mark. Probably best set-shot in the draft so doesn’t need a heap of chances to kick goals. Lacks a little fire in the belly at times and can be hesitant to work the corridor and play in front. Ryder is the other contender but they took a ruckman / forward in Pattison last year and would like someone who covers more ground this year. Needs more gym time than most of the other top-tier bigmen but Richmond are in a re-tooling phase so won’t mind. Can also play CHB which will appeal to the Tigers who have veterans Kellaway and Gaspar to plan for.
24. Tom Rischbeith - RichmondA clever KF or KD with leadership ability but at 190cm perhaps not quite tall enough to hold down a key role in the AFL. Has strong athletics background and has that prized quality of possessing both speed and stamina. Richmond are building a run-run-run gameplan and so will like the idea of a big bloke who can cover the turf. Might even develop as a Stenglein type midfielder. Needs to polish his skills. Known as a leader that also helps. Good courage, attacks the contest and has a good one-grab mark.
40. Matt Seal – RichmondProbably looking to take KP players early and could therefore look for a midfielder late. Seal is a good solid performer who can play midfield or HFF and has a knack for kicking goals. Not the big-possesion standout that other midfielders might be but looks to have some potential and has held his own in senior WAFL company.
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205391&page=1&pp=15========================
footydraft's phantom draft:8. Andrew Swallow (East Fremantle) - midfielder (183cm - 75kg)2004 WAFL Stats:
Colts: 6 games, 2 goals, 16.5 PPG
Reserves: 4 games, 3 goals, 17.8 PPG
Seniors: 3 games, 0 goals, 16.7 PPG
Background: Swallow came through the system in blazing glory and did all there was to be done at junior levels. He came through the ranks with fellow East Fremantle boys Josh Kennedy and Mitch Clarke in the 2003 Under 16 championships where he earnt an AIS-AFL scholarship, and subsequently performed well in the under 17s International series. In 2004, he was initially ineligible for the draft, but despite later being granted an exemption from the AFL he was overlooked. This was a little surprising given he gathered 24 possessions for East Fremantle in the final home and away round of that season. This extra year has helped his development even more as he has played many league games, and managed to pick up 20 and 33 possessions in successive weeks late in the season. He once again played in the under 18s carnival and earnt All Australian honours.
Strengths:
- Enormous speed helps him get out of heavy traffic.
- Tough in and under midfielder who attacks the footy hard
- Body has not fully developed so room for improvement in that area
- Played against men for two years in WAFL
- can play as a small defender and provide good drive out of the backline.
Weaknesses:
- Often doesn’t have great disposal
- Reason for not being drafted in 04, is there something we don’t know?
Footydraft.com Verdict: Swallow is a premier midfielder who has a lot of quality traits, although disposal is questioned sometimes it is not a real concern. Along with Murphy and Ellis he is one of the best midfielders in the draft. Would be unlucky not to go top 15.
24. Courtenay Dempsey (Morningside) - outside wingman (186cm - 70kg)40. Paul Bower (Peel Thunder) - defender (192cm - 87kg)Statistics:
U18 Championships 2005 - 3 games, 0 goals, averaged 11.7 possessions
Background:
Bower has all the attributes to be a quality footballer at an elite level. He has taken his game to a new level this year after being a solid backmen for the state 16s team in 2004. He has added a real offensive presence to his game he has provided great drive off the back line for successful Peel Colts side this year. His offensive style paid off in the under 18s carnival with him and Spangher impressing as the better backman of the carnival.
Strengths:
- The improvement shown from 2004 to 2005 and development of his game has been very encouraging
- Very Agile for height and his room for improvement is large as well
- Confidence to take players on and use his pace off the backline
- Attacking style of play from defence
Weaknesses:
- Not a real strong pack marker at times
- Could be caught out when playing on quality bigger bodied forwards
- Was this a real break through year or just a lucky one
Footydraft verdict:
Based on his carnival and the raw talent that he has, he is a big chance of going top 25 in the draft. Also the lack of quality talls who play back could attract some extra interest.
http://footydraft.com/
