2017 AFL Draft thread

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AFL Draft 2017: Jarrod Brander keen to land to Richmond

Al Paton,
Herald Sun
24 November 2017 3:00pm

THE best key forward in the draft says it would be “awesome” if his name is read out by Richmond tonight.

Jarrod Brander was touted as a possible No.1 pick 12 months ago but has slipped down the rankings this year and is a chance to still be available at pick 17, the first of the Tigers’ three selections inside the top 25.

Brander stands 195cm and played forward and back for the Allies at this year’s under-18 championships.

“That would be awesome,” he said this morning of the prospect of being recruited by Richmond.

“They came up and I had a good chat to them lately and it would be awesome if it got to there, but I’d be happy to go anywhere.

“I have played up both of the grounds a lot this year but I think I’m more of a natural forward and hopefully that’s where I end up playing.”

The Tigers’ lack of a second key forward to support Jack Riewoldt this year was well documented but a young key defender could be even higher on the priority list given the lack of depth behind Alex Rance (28) and the injury-prone Dylan Grimes and David Astbury.

Brander is from Wentworth, half an hour from the NSW-Victoria border, and was originally zoned to GWS but became available to any team earlier this year after a fight led by Victorian clubs.

“There was a fair bit in the media about it but it didn’t bother me too much,” he said.

“I was just waiting for a decision, it took a fair while but when it came I just accepted it and moved on.”

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jarrod-brander-excited-by-the-prospect-of-heading-to-richmond/news-story/42da2adcd7bf4590522fed284643d1cf

[(•))(©™]

Now they want to come.

[one-eyed]

Don't regret it: Ranges coach warns recruiters about Stephenson

Marc McGowan 
afl.com.au
November 24, 2017

THE COACH of the TAC Cup's most-wanted list has warned AFL recruiters to overlook match-winner Jaidyn Stephenson at their peril.   

Club officials are still frantically pouring over Stephenson's medical results after becoming aware of a heart irregularity at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in October.   

Stephenson may slide into the late teens after once being considered a top-five selection, with premier Richmond doing its due diligence in the chance he is available at pick 17.   

But Bewick said the drama about Stephenson's health was a gross overreaction and that the forward-midfielder had X-factor and could "win a game off his own boot".   

AFL.com.au understands Stephenson's family has a history of the heart condition and played high-level sport without an issue.   

"I'd suggest the clubs passing him up will regret it in three or four years' time when they see him running around," the dual Essendon premiership star told AFL.com.au.   

"Jaidyn's not showing any sign of anything.   

"He's one of our hardest workers on the track and he plays a very explosive game, so if it was going to be a problem then we would have seen it and it would have affected his footy."   

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The draft's other potential slider, two-time under-18 All Australian ruckman Sam Hayes, is also a Ranges star.   

The biggest criticism of Hayes targets his endurance and intensified with his poor testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, but Bewick said it was just the usual "pick on the big fella" mentality.   

"Sam's twice All Australian; he's very raw and naïve about everything, but his upside is enormous," the eighth-year coach said.   

"People are stuck on the fact he has no tank, but he's 18 years old and 203cm. That's something he can work on once he's in the system.   

"I can see him in five, six years' time being one of the best big men in the competition."

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-24/dont-regret-it-ranges-coach-warns-afl-recruiters

[Slipper]

Now they want to come.

Yeah, interesting isn't it.

[one-eyed]

Draft about to start.

[Owl]

live broadcast?

[one-eyed]

SEN is doing live coverage.

Draft tracker on the AFL website here: http://www.afl.com.au/draft/draft-tracker

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1. Bris - Cam Rayner

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Feels good to hear Gill congratulate the Tigers on winning the flag before the start of the draft by the way  .

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2. Freo - Andrew Brayshaw

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3. Carl - Paddy Dow


Poor kid  .

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4. North - Luke Davies-Uniacke


Another poor sod.

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5. Freo - Adam Cerra

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Next up the Pies. Let's see if they pass on Stephenson or not.

[1965]

Good to see the interstate clubs picking Victorian kids.