Author Topic: 2017 draft revisited: How have your club's players fared? (afl site)  (Read 412 times)

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2017 draft revisited: How have your club's players fared?

Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
2 Dec 2018


RICHMOND

Pick 17: Jack Higgins
Couldn't have done much more in his debut year. Played 20 games, including two finals, and brought pressure, tackles and a sparkling personality to the forward line. Came fourth in the NAB AFL Rising Star for his impressive season and won the Coates Hire Goal of the Year for his outrageous effort against Collingwood. Can look forward to increased midfield minutes in 2019 after signing a two-year contract extension.

Pick 20: Callum Coleman-Jones

Young ruckman/key forward who was managed through his first season with a program that featured bursts of games punctuated by a development program. Is mobile and strong and will look to continue in his development in 2019 with the Tigers bullish about his potential. His goal – along with Noah Balta's – will be to challenge Ivan Soldo for the VFL's No.1 ruck spot.

Pick 25: Noah Balta
Is set to spend the summer with the forwards group after playing at both ends of the ground in 2018. Showed he can read the play well as a defender and also take a strong mark at either end, while some of his best football came at the end of the season when he played as a pinch-hitting ruckman. A 2019 debut isn't out of the question.

Pick 34: Patrick Naish

Played across half-back and on the wing in the VFL where he was able to showcase his elite kicking and natural running ability. Was named as an AFL emergency twice, which showed he wasn't light-years away from being considered for a debut. Needs to work on his defensive side and physical attributes, but overall it was an encouraging first year.

Pick 63: Ben Miller
Looks to have settled in defence after being drafted as a tall utility. Has been likened to David Astbury in the way he plays. Teamed up with Ryan Garthwaite in the VFL backline with the two impressing despite their inexperience. Competed well despite tiring late in the year. Will look to develop further in 2019 after overcoming off-season hip surgery.

Rookie selection pick 18: Liam Baker

Earned his debut in round 19 against Collingwood and played three AFL games. Showed he can make scores happen, loves hunting the ball and has scope to run through the midfield.

Next Generation Academy: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith

Spent most of the season nursing a stress fracture in his shin. The half-back played in the VFL from August but will need a big summer after missing most of 2018.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-12-01/2017-draft-revisited-how-have-your-clubs-players-fared-