2021 Draft thread

[one-eyed]

November rankings

Peter Williams
central.rookieme.com
2 November 2021



11. Josh Rachele
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country | Forward/Midfielder
11/04/2003 | 180cm | 78kg
October Ranking: #12

Snapshot: A mercurial forward who has drawn comparisons to GWS star Toby Greene, Rachele has unbelievable smarts, skills, and a keen eye for goal.

Rachele is rightly a standout among his draft class, having taken out the Under 16 Division 1 MVP award for Vic Country in 2019. He quickly went on to represent the Murray Bushrangers, averaging a tick under 18 disposals and two goals in four games as a 16-year-old. The exciting forward hails from an elite soccer background and has quick feet to show for it, as well as the smiling celebrations you’d expect on the end of well-finished goals. Rachele is lauded for his skills and smarts in the forward half, but has shown an aptitude for midfield work with his turn of speed and ability to find the ball at ground level. He’s capable of highlight-reel moments and does things others simply cannot, with the potential to be a top five player in this crop at his absolute best.

12. Tyler Sonsie
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro | Midfielder
27/01/2003 | 181cm | 77kg
October Ranking: #11

Snapshot:
A smooth-moving midfielder with terrific poise and class, Sonsie opens up the play with his clean disposal and ability to find the goals. One of the most highly-touted Victorian prospects before a ball had been bounced in 2021, Sonsie’s absolute best is exceptionally good. The Eastern Ranges prospect was Vic Metro’s Under 16 MVP in 2019 and is one of the few 2003-born NAB Leaguers to have already experienced the Under 19 competition. He was part of his region’s 2019 minor premiership-winning side, rolling forward off a wing. Now a draft eligible talent, Sonsie has moved more permanently into midfield and while he is developing his defensive running, has plenty of attacking traits to offer. His ability to exit stoppages with poise and make good decisions with ball in hand is top notch, with that exceptional skill level also translating to dual-sided finishing in front of goal. A knee injury curtailed the end of Sonsie’s season, and he is a type who could prove plenty of people wrong if he slides any further outside the top 10.

13. Jye Amiss
East Perth/Western Australia | Tall Forward
31/07/2003 | 196cm | 83kg
October Ranking: #14

Snapshot: A deadeye key forward whose rate of improvement has been a sight to behold, Amiss is nothing short of prolific inside attacking 50.

You’ll hear plenty of puns regarding the key forward’s ironic surname but it’s true that Amiss is more hit than, well, miss. The East Perth spearhead dominated the 2021 WAFL Colts season, booting 51 goals in 15 games with a ridiculously good conversion rate of 77 per cent from his scoring shots. He proved undeniable for selection in a West Australian state squad stacked with key position talent, and doesn’t need a wealth of opportunities to make an impact. With sound overhead marking and an improving ground level game, Amiss is an irresistible threat inside attacking 50 who has shot into top 10 calculations. He suffered a year-ending injury while representing WA, tearing the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after a sore final month of play.

14. Josh Sinn
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro | Defender/Midfielder
7/01/2003 | 186cm | 82kg
October Ranking: #16

Snapshot: A line-breaking half-back who has shown promising development in midfield, Sinn’s greatest strengths are his speed and kick penetration.

Another established leader among the Victorian crop as one of Sandringham’s co-captains, Sinn’s best is as damaging as anyone in the overall draft pool. He is regarded as the most damaging and technical kick in the Dragons’ program and is given the license to look for options others simply wouldn’t. His penetrative boot and line-breaking speed make him a meters gained machine, observed most significantly with his well-timed runs off half-back or on the wing. Sinn has also moved onto the inside to good effect, showing a handy balance of traits and utilising the size he added during last year’s lost season. His campaign has been interrupted by injury, but he looked close to regaining top form at times. He was poised to return late in the piece, and without the opportunity to prove his top 10 potential, may end up a first round bargain.

15. Arlo Draper
South Adelaide/South Australia | Midfielder/Forward
20/01/2003 | 186cm | 75kg
October Ranking: #13

Snapshot: Draper is a classy midfielder-forward who utilises his agility in tight spaces through the engine room, and brilliant marking ability to impact when stationed inside attacking 50.

One of the more intriguing and versatile prospects in the draft pool, Draper has garnered attention with his promising bottom-age form and continued success in all three SANFL grades this year. The smooth-moving midfielder had no trouble getting his hands on the ball at stoppages with more consistent time in midfield, before impacting in his resting stints up forward. He is yet another South Adelaide prospect in the mix, with his stylish form and clean hands making him easy on the eye to keen draft watchers. He is one who will feature highly on many draft boards despite being snubbed by the AFL Academy, and has great upside in his current role. Expect him to feature within the first round, courting specific interest from local clubs.

16. Matthew Johnson
Subiaco/Western Australia | Midfielder
16/03/2003 | 192cm | 81kg
October Ranking: #15

Snapshot: With smooth agility and clean hands at the contest, Johnson is one of the premier tall midfielders in this year’s draft crop and has plenty of upside.

Hailed as the best tall midfielder in this year’s crop coming into the season, Johnson is one with a point of difference and a good amount of development left. The 193cm Subiaco prospect continues to put on size and can win the ball at the coalface, but stands out most with his smooth movement in traffic and clean skills around the ground. He suits an in-vogue modern day prototype and will inevitably yield comparisons to some of the currently dominant midfielders over 190cm. Johnson is already well versed in terms of representative duties and was part of Subiaco’s WAFL Colts premiership side in 2020. He also earned a senior debut this year and would have done so earlier if not for injury on the eve of season proper. After his strong form in representative colours, Johnson will be pushing for top 15 honours with a few clubs in for classy midfield types.

17. Josh Goater
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro | Midfielder/Defender
02/06/2003 | 190cm | 79kg
October Ranking: #17

Snapshot: A big-bodied midfielder with explosive athletic traits and clean hands on the inside, Goater is a prospect with great potential and versatility.

Goater lays claim to one of the more impressive athletic profiles in the draft pool, particularly in a power sense. His explosive turn of speed and impressive vertical leap are traits which catch the eye at testing events and are transferred on-field, with the Calder Cannons product able to produce exciting passages of play. He has proven his worth in midfield with good ball winning strength and clean hands on the inside, but can also roll out to a wing, pinch-hit up forward, and has proven his class off half-back. He is another who stakes his claim on high upside and may well rise quickly on draft night within the first round.

18. Campbell Chesser
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country | Outside Midfielder/Defender
27/04/2003 | 186cm | 83kg
October Ranking: #19

Snapshot: A speedy and productive mover on the outside, Chesser breaks the lines from half-back or the wing but has also shown a good balance in his ball winning.

A third Sandringham Dragons prospect in the top 20, Chesser also lays claim to damaging outside traits – weaponising his run-and-carry and use by foot. While he hails from Lavington, in Murray’s region, the 18-year-old boards at Melbourne Grammar and thus turns out for the Dragons. He is another of his age group who had NAB League experience under his belt prior to 2021, and has stayed true in terms of position to impact off the wing and half-back line. Chesser had only just cracked Sandringham’s stacked midfield in a bid to showcase his balance, having lacked continuity while battling a knee injury earlier in his campaign. Having slid in value, he may well make a club very happy towards the end of round one.

19. Darcy Wilmot
Northern Knights/Vic Metro | Small Defender
31/12/2003 | 183cm | 75kg
October Ranking: #20

Snapshot: Wilmot is a tenacious and brave half-back whose most flashy weapons show on the attack, as he breaks the lines with great speed and ball use.

Wilmot has thrust his name into contention with increasingly impressive performances for the Northern Knights in 2021, as well as an impressive senior debut at local football level. The small-medium defender has all the typical class and running prowess you would expect on the rebound, but is also willing to compete above his size in aerial contests. The 17-year-old still has plenty of development left as a December 31 birth, meaning he only just makes the cut to be eligible for this year’s draft. His run-and-gun style is sure to catch many more eyes as the season continues, with Wilmot a prospect truly on the rise. Expect him to attract interest at the back of round one or very early in round two with a few clubs looking for speed off half-back.

20. Sam Butler
GWV Rebels/Vic Country | Forward/Midfielder
10/02/2003 | 184cm | 76kg
October Ranking: #21

Snapshot: Butler has wonderfully clean hands and searing pace, traits which have translated well from an initial forward role to an eventual midfield venture.

Another prospect with ties at the elite level, Butler is the brother of St Kilda forward, Dan. He is an exciting player in his own right though, with sharp skills by hand and a terrific turn of speed which serve him well in a creative sense. Having proven himself in the forward half, Butler went on to impress with his clean ball winning ability in midfield before injury struck. He missed out on representing Vic Country as an Under 19 having done so at Under 16s level, but is a player who catches the eye and would have been a lock for said honours if the opportunity presented once again. He should be a viable choice within the 20s and was standout at Victoria’s country draft combine.

21. Jacob van Rooyen
Claremont/Western Australia | Tall Forward/Defender
16/04/2003 | 193cm | 91kg
October Ranking: #23

Snapshot: van Rooyen is a tall forward who presents well with physical intent, strong hands and a booming kick, but has also shown great potential as a swingman.

Having been earmarked as potentially Western Australia’s best tall prospect coming into the season, van Rooyen has overcome some adversity en route to recapturing his best form. He was part of Claremont’s WAFL Colts side which went down in last season’s Grand Final, booting 19 goals in 10 games as a bottom-ager. He donned the Black Ducks jersey in 2020’s West Australian All Stars fixtures and was a lock for the AFL Academy intake in 2021. A glandular fever diagnosis halted his progress a touch, but van Rooyen started out the season in the League grade and has shown he is physically a level above the Colts competition. Having returned a ripping representative campaign, he will be right back in first round contention – especially with local clubs lurking for a key forward.

22. Tom Brown
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country | Medium Defender
30/07/2003 | 186cm | 74kg
September Ranking: #22

Snapshot: A dashing half-back with terrific athleticism in the form of speed and a vertical leap, Brown is a bolting talent who you’ll likely miss if you blink.

While Geelong gained access to sister, Millie via father-daughter rules, Tom Brown is ineligible to be drafted by the Cats under the father-son category as his father Paul falls just short of the 100-game qualification. Nonetheless, the Murray Bushrangers prospect has plenty of eye-catching traits which will help him blaze his own trail. A Vic Country Under 16 and now Under 19 representative, Brown is capable of playing on each line but looks to have found a home across half-back, where his dashing style and overhead marking shine. An ankle injury kept him out for a large chunk of the season, but he since returned and looked raring to break into first round contention, especially after a strong draft combine. Those honours may just be out of reach, but Brown won’t last much longer within round two.

23. Mitchell Knevitt
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country | Inside Midfielder
08/01/2003 | 193cm | 81kg
October Ranking: #28

Snapshot: A big-bodied midfielder with great size and reach, Knevitt dominates at the coalface and impacts around the ground with his strong overhead marking, a feature also sighted up forward.

One who was marked by his teammates as one to watch during preseason, Knevitt has taken full advantage of finally getting the opportunity to impress with some outstanding form in 2021. The 193cm midfielder provides range and size which proves difficult to combat at the coalface, as he digs in to win contested ball and stands up in tackles while dishing it out. The Geelong Falcons product is also developing his outside game and is athletically sound, getting to more contests around the ground and making an impact with his contested marking. He fits the modern day midfielder-forward prototype given his built and ability, with the performances to match his potential now coming to the fore. Another who registered some eye-catching testing numbers, some clubs will have Knevitt featuring as high as the top 20.

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24. Zac Taylor
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro | Small Midfielder/Forward
31/01/2003 | 180cm | 74kg
October Ranking: #25

Snapshot: A crafty small prospect with outstanding vision, skills and decision making, Taylor has no trouble finding the ball and makes things happen when in possession.

A Vic Metro representative at Under 16 level, Taylor proved undeniable for repeat honours in the Under 19 grade this year given his outstanding NAB League form. The 180cm midfielder-forward combines toughness with high level smarts; not afraid to work hard to win his own ball, but most effective when able to accumulate and tear sides apart with his sharp skills. The 18-year-old has a great turn of speed and looks to be creative with each possession, breaking into space with his zip before hitting targets further afield. He is particularly reliable by foot and puts up ultra-consistent numbers each week, making him a deserved entrant to the top 25 and one who should find a home within the second round. He capped his season with Calder’s best and fairest nod and NAB League team of the year honours.

25. Josh Fahey
GWS GIANTS Academy/Allies | Medium Defender
11/11/2003 | 186cm | 76kg
October Ranking: #29

Snapshot: A run-and-gun rebounding defender who gives his all and boasts a raking left-foot kick, Fahey is arguably this year’s leading Northern Academy talent.

Our top-ranked Northern Academy prospect in 2021, Fahey is clearly the best prospect out of the Allies crop and a genuine top 25 contender. He returned to the GWS GIANTS Academy program this year to confirm his eligibility as an academy product, having previously shifted to Queensland and joined forces with the Gold Coast SUNS Academy. The Queanbeyan native has impressed onlookers across both states with his dash out of defence and penetrative kicking, both damaging weapons for a player of his position. He has earned a VFL berth with the GIANTS and was named best afield in April’s AFL Academy showcase against Geelong VFL. Having set a blistering 2km time, Fahey proved he is in shape despite a lack of football in 2021 and raring to go with a bid likely to come just outside of the first round.

26. Matthew Roberts
South Adelaide/South Australia | Midfielder/Forward
31/07/2003 | 183cm | 81kg
October Ranking: #18

Snapshot: Roberts is a hard-working and consistent midfielder with senior experience who racks up plenty of the ball, but can also rotate forward.

Another member of South Adelaide’s football factory, Roberts’ form over the last few seasons has seen him prove difficult to deny of first round contention. Like Horne, he represented South Australia at back-to-back Under 16 carnivals, playing a key role as he split his time between midfield and the forwardline. The 18-year-old broke through for his League debut in 2021, initially skipping the Reserves grade after a scintillating start in the Under 18s competition. As one of the hardest and smartest runners in the draft crop, looks towards fellow left-footer Marcus Bontempelli as a model for his own game. His ability to hit the scoreboard matches said archetype, though Roberts also has a hard edge and competitiveness which sets him apart. Of late, he has been a real slider having not quite delivered at representative level, but could reward a club greatly should he indeed slip outside the first round. Not many prospects this year have his level of senior experience.

27. Jesse Motlop
South Fremantle/Western Australia | Small Forward/Midfielder
23/11/2003 | 177cm | 77kg
October Ranking: #26

Snapshot: A highly skilled small forward with great goal sense, speed and smarts, Motlop comes from good pedigree and can make his presence known in a flash.

Another player with ties to the elite level, Motlop is the son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Daniel, but is ineligible for father-son selection. He is part of Fremantle’s NGA, though it will be difficult for the Dockers to secure his services via bidding as Metro-based WA prospects can only be matched after pick 40. To any club, Motlop offers an exciting mix of speed and skill as a small forward, able to find the goals regularly with clever finishes while also providing forward pressure. An Aquinas College student, he topped the PSA goalkicking charts last year as a bottom-ager and has cracked the WAFL League grade this season, spending more time in midfield against his peers. He featured in South Fremantle’s top flight finals run and should earn second round honours just a couple of days after his 18th birthday.

28. Blake Howes
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro | Forward/Wing
07/04/2003 | 190cm | 79kg
October Ranking: #27

Snapshot: One of the best athletes available in this year’s draft, Howes boasts a terrific aerial game but also competes well at ground level and shows promising versatility.

Howes is a player who featured in our top 25 at various points in the year and should be well known to keen draft watchers. He was an All Australian at Under 16 level, plying his trade as a high-marking medium forward with wonderful athleticism and clean hands. While he started the year off in that usual forward post, Howes has since shown his versatility with a shift to the wing and is a classic high-ceiling type of prospect. He was included in this year’s initial AFL Academy intake and continued to back up that selection with form fitting of his potential as a mainstay in the Sandringham Dragons’ side. His mix of speed, endurance, and aerial nous point towards massive potential and he’ll be hard to overlook in round two.

29. Jack Williams
East Fremantle/Western Australia | Tall Forward/Ruck
01/12/2003 | 195cm | 93kg
October Ranking: #24

Snapshot: Williams is a versatile tall prospect who thrives aerially and consistently kicks goals up forward, while also rotating through the ruck or even to defence.

One of the bolting key position players in this year’s draft pool, Williams has been in sensational form at WAFL Colts level. The 195cm East Fremantle talent has shown his best form as a forward in 2021, booting 40 goals in 15 WAFL Colts games and showcasing his exceptional aerial ability. While he has been swung into attack this season, Williams can also pinch-hit in the ruck and is accustomed to defensive roles too. His clear versatility and upside saw him selected in this year’s AFL Academy intake, and he showed good signs in the academy’s showcase fixture against Geelong VFL. Although he stepped up in key moments as East Fremantle again made the preliminary final stage, Williams is a tall who may slide a touch on the second draft night.

30. Toby Conway
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country | Ruck
24/04/2003 | 205cm | 97kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A physically ready ruck whose craft is sound at the stoppages, Conway also has a strong endurance base and is developing his work around the ground.

The number one pure ruck choice among this year’s draft crop, Conway comes into his own in exactly those battles. He is smart in his craft and strong in the contest, winning his fair share of hitouts across multiple levels – for the Falcons, Vic Country, and AFL Academy. Having come through the pathway as an Under 16 All Australian, the 205cm bigman is now adding strings to his bow with developing impact around the ground in the form of contested marking and stints up forward. Given he is arguably the leading player in his position, especially amid the raft of midfield options, Conway may well find a home within the top 30.

31. Judson Clarke
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country | Small Forward/Midfielder
17/10/2003 | 180cm | 70kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: Clarke is a zippy small forward/midfielder who can light up the game in a flash with his forward run, tricky agility, and eye for goal.

While his exploits were on full show earlier in the year, Clarke stamped his credentials with a breakout performance in the Under 19 Victorian trials, bagging five goals in a starring display. The crafty Dandenong Stingrays product represented Vic Country at Under 16 level and continued to show promising glimpses both in the NAB League and at school footy level. He is nimble in possession with a mix of speed and agility, and looks to make things happen in the front half with creative energy and smarts at the fall of the ball. Clarke often finishes his work with spearing left-foot kicks, making for an exciting package as far as small prospects go. While he can roll through midfield, the 17-year-old looks most damaging up forward and can cement his spot here with more eye-catching big game showings. His surge mentality suits the modern game and will likely attract second round interest.

32. Rhett Bazzo
Swan Districts/Western Australia | Tall Defender/Forward
17/10/2003 | 195cm | 81kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A key defender with swingman capabilities, Bazzo is fantastic in his aerial judgement and clean with ball in hand.

Another of Western Australia’s many promising key position prospects, Bazzo made his name as a defender but made an early shift forward in 2021. As he did in the AFL Academy showcase, the Swan Districts product eventually reverted back to that defence post during club and state representative duties, but shows promise at either end with his sound marking and use of the ball. He is another who claimed Under 16 All Australian honours in 2019, making him a well known quantity and one with plenty of class. Bazzo won this year’s WAFL Colts premiership with Swans, while also turning out for Guildford Grammar in the PSA Football competition. With talls at a premium, Bazzo may push the top 30 but arguably sits just outside it on value.

33. Mitch Owens
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro | Wing/Utility
24/09/2003 | 190cm | 85kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A fast-developing utility with explosive athletic traits who puts in a shift running both ways, and catches the eye with gutsy aerial efforts.

One of a couple of St Kilda Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospects pushing for Top 30 contention is Owens, a rising talent out of the Sandringham Dragons. Having grown 15cm since his Under 16s campaign, the 18-year-old has developed into a dynamic utility who can play on either side of midfield and at both ends of the ground. His aerial work is impressive at 190cm and his gutsiness overhead translates to similarly relentless defensive effort. In one of the great opportunity snatches of 2021, Owens was a late call-up to this year’s Vic Metro vs. Vic Country Under 19 Challenge match and took full toll, collecting 29 disposals and seven marks in a breakout performance which put his name in lights. The Saints will sweat on clubs who value him as highly as the top 15-20, and will surely match a bid thereafter under the new bidding rules.

34. Connor Macdonald
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country | Inside Midfielder/Small Forward
13/01/2003 | 184cm | 77kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A player who has no trouble finding plenty of the footy, Macdonald works at speed going both ways and can also hit the scoreboard.

One of the more consistent accumulating midfielders in this year’s crop is Macdonald, who has developed into a very reliable inside type after cutting his teeth on the outside and up forward. The Dandenong Stingrays product blends speed with a high work rate, which sees him find the ball in all parts of the ground, but particularly as a clearance winner. He made his NAB League debut in 2019 after representing Vic Country’s Under 16 side, going on to earn the same honours as an Under 19 this year. His current skillset and should see clubs overlook his areas of improvement when looking to pounce just after the 30-mark, where the 184cm talent has hovered all season.

35. Corey Warner
East Fremantle/Western Australia | Balanced Midfielder
07/10/2003 | 182cm | 74kg
October Ranking: #30

Snapshot: Warner is a hard-running midfielder who can play both inside and out, breaking forward with intent and a penetrating left foot kick.

The younger sibling of Sydney’s Chad skippered Aquinas College this year and managed four League games for East Fremantle, plying his trade out on the wing. He traded that outside role for one at the centre bounces when playing against his peers, averaging 24 disposals in nine Colts games and matching that average across his three finals appearances. While somewhat dependant on his left side, Warner gets good penetration on the end of bursting runs forward, carrying away from midfield with purpose. He also made a State Under 19s appearance in 2021 and has risen steeply into second round contention.

36. Angus Sheldrick
Claremont/Western Australia | Midfielder
7/11/2003 | 179cm | 88kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A strong inside bull who bustles through congestion, and provides consistent ball winning output through sheer will and determination.

Over a two-year period where so many draft prospects have lacked the opportunity, some have taken each of theirs remarkably well. One such AFL hopeful is Sheldrick, who has played himself into top 30 contention on the back of a remarkably consistent body of work. The Claremont product and Geez Church Grammar skipper had an early finish to his 2020 campaign, but has shown marked resilience and a strong rate of development in 2021 through his desire to work and improve. He is a player who hardly has a bad outing and can be turned to in the trenches, producing game-winning efforts by making the best of what he has. From a fringe state Under 19s squad member to squad barometer, Sheldrick’s top-age season has proven a memorable one.

37. Marcus Windhager
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro | Midfielder/Forward
16/05/2003 | 183cm | 82kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: An explosive midfielder with clean hands and a great turn of speed who can also roll forward and hit the scoreboard.

St Kilda’s top NGA members have supporters and list managers alike sweating this season, and Windhager is one of them. The Sandringham Dragons product proved somewhat of a surprise packet this year having undergone a knee reconstruction in 2020, showcasing a high rate of development both for the Dragons and with Haileybury College in the APS Football competition. His elite basketball background is highlighted by clean handling and a powerful turn of speed, both of which he uses at the stoppages and at either end of the ground. He has a value around the top 30 and looks likely to receive a bid somewhere within the second round.

38. Cooper Murley
Norwood/South Australia | Midfielder/Forward
20/06/2003 | 178cm | 70kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A damaging attacking runner who can play on both sides of midfield and up forward, Murley looks to hurt the opposition with speed and skill.

Murley has been one of the more unlucky draft prospects in 2021, touted early on as a first round candidate before enduring a top-age campaign riddled by multiple injuries. Having been included in this year’s AFL Academy, Murley missed out on representing the squad and later his state, but managed four Reserves and Under 18s games apiece with Norwood. The lightly built 18-year-old is a weaponous forward runner, able to get out the back with speed or carry the ball himself on the attack. His skills also carve up the opposition, but Murley was unable to properly build on promising under-age showings and now looms as a potential steal down the pecking order.

39. Lachlan Rankin
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro | Medium Utility
5/02/2003 | 182cm | 68kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A versatile prospect with high-level smarts and evasion, Rankin showcases clean skills in every third of the ground.

A mainstay throughout the elite talent pathway, Rankin has picked up plenty of representative honours along his junior footballing career. The versatile Oakleigh Chargers product was part of Vic Metro’s Under 16s and 19s campaigns, while also earning a late call-up to the AFL Academy squad in April and being named in the 2021 APS Football Merit Team. The 18-year-old’s clean hands and skills are indicative of his pure footballing talent, backed by clever evasive technique and a terrific sense of surrounding. He only managed four NAB League games this year, also turning out for Caulfield Grammar, but has shown plenty of form at high levels to prove his class in a variety of roles. Somewhat of an underrated prospect, clubs may look towards his natural ability in the second to third round.

40. Kai Lohmann
GWV Rebels/Vic Country | Medium Forward
5/02/2003 | 185cm | 76kg
October Ranking: NR

Snapshot: A highly athletic forward capable of the mercurial, Lohmann combines speed and a springy vertical leap to produce highlight reel plays.

Rounding out Rookie Me Central’s top 40 for 2021 is Lohmann, one of this year’s most exciting raw talents. He is one some recruiters have around the top 25 mark, but others see as fitting in a touch further down. The 18-year-old represented Vic Country at Under 16 level in 2019 and made the Under 19 squad this year, producing promising form for the Rebels across nine NAB League outings. His athleticism is what catches the eye most and as a player who handles the ball cleanly, Lohmann is not afraid to make things happen by taking the game on.

https://central.rookieme.com/afl/power-rankings/2021-november/

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From tough ball-winners to athletic beasts and the pool’s best kick, midfielders are set to dominate the top-end of this year’s draft.

And with the 2022 crop stacked with key-position talent, clubs are ready to pounce on their next midfield star.

Likely No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos sit atop the class, while clubs are trying to position themselves in order to get their hands on Sandringham’s Finn Callaghan.

But the prospects get a little more difficult to split after that, with clubs sharing different views on some players.

Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto profile their top 15.

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Jason Horne-Francis
South Adelaide/SA
Balanced midfielder, 184cm, 77kg
Clubs who could suit: North Melbourne

Horne-Francis has it all. And it’s why North Melbourne recruiter Scott Clayton believes “he is as good as any No. 1 in any year”. Horne-Francis is strong on the inside, but also electrifying away from the contest, boasting a mix of speed, evasiveness and terrific hands overhead. On top of the elite traits, which have been compared to those of Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe, Horne-Francis is, arguably, the most-competitive player in the draft pool. The 24-disposal, three-goal performance in the SANFL preliminary final, which kept South Adelaide in the game, was the icing on the cake of a spectacular under-age career.

THE STAT: In the SANFL finals series, 39 - or 67% - of the 18-year-old’s 58 possessions were won in a contest.

Nick Daicos
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Collingwood father-son
Balanced midfielder, 183cm, 72kg
Clubs who could suit: Collingwood

Daicos would have been right in contention for Collingwood’s side this year after turning heads for the Magpies in a VFL practice game during the pre-season and dominating every game he played at under-18 level. The son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos and brother of current Magpie Josh is a prolific and classy prospect with an elite kick, fantastic poise and superb goal sense. This array of traits will allow him to be used as a dangerous small forward, a tidy ball-winning midfielder or a distributing defender at the next level. Daicos was best-on-ground by the length of the Flemington straight in the Victorian Challenge match in July, featuring some of the best draft hopefuls in the pool, amassing 41 disposals including 23 kicks, 10 marks, six clearances and two majors. The Chargers product is expected to attract a top-three bid in the national draft later this month, which the Magpies will be able to match after stockpiling points during the trade period.

THE STAT: In the NAB League, Daicos averaged 35.8 disposals (ranked first in the competition), 22.2 kicks (second), 23 uncontested possessions (first), 7.4 score involvements, 5.8 clearances, two goals (fifth) and 159 Champion Data ranking points across his five matches.

Finn Callaghan
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 189cm, 82kg
Clubs who could suit: North Melbourne, GWS, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Fremantle

Callaghan has all the traits to be the perfect modern-day midfielder at the next level. He’s tall, quick, brilliant in traffic, can win the ball on the inside and outside, and boasts a penetrating right-foot. The game appears to slowdown when Callaghan has the ball in tight spaces, and he makes great decisions on the back of it. After spending most of his junior career on the outside, Callaghan is equally as damaging away from the contest and, in no surprise, clubs inside the top 10 have already made a play for the Giants’ pick two, knowing Callaghan, who projects as taller version of Giants star Josh Kelly, is unlikely to be available long after that.

THE STAT: After moving into the Dragons’ centre-bounce brigade, Callaghan averaged 30 disposals, 16.7 kicks and 136.7 ranking points across three matches.

Ben Hobbs
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Inside midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
Clubs who could suit: Richmond, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Adelaide

Hobbs is a contested beast who does his best work in congestion, consistently winning clearances and feeding it out to runners on the outside, and applying immense tackling pressure. The Rebels midfielder was the strongest performer in both his matches for Vic Country, finishing with 37 disposals and two goals in the trial match and 26 touches, eight clearances and a goal in the Challenge clash. Likened to tough Giants on-baller Jacob Hopper, Hobbs has been earmarked as a future captain for his highly-regarded character and shapes as a prospect who can make an impact from the get-go in 2022.

THE STAT: Without including his an injury-affected match, Hobbs averaged 147.6 ranking points, 29.2 disposals, 12.8 contested possessions, six clearances and six tackles in five games for the Rebels this year.

Josh Ward
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 181cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit: Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Richmond, Fremantle, Adelaide

The left-footer is a prolific ball-winner, who is clean and clever at the contest, and damaging away from it, drawing comparison to Bombers star Zach Merrett. Ward, who was named captain of the NAB League Team of the Year, boasts elite endurance and was one of the most-consistent midfielders, across multiple levels, in Victoria this year. Ward starred for Northern Knights, saving his best for a dual against Daicos – which he won – before tallying 29 disposals, eight clearances and two goals for Vic Metro in June. He looks to be one of the safe bets in the top 10.

THE STAT: In his final three appearances in the NAB League, Ward averaged 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight score involvements, six clearances and 149 ranking points.


Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Glenelg/SA
Wingman, 188cm, 70kg
Clubs who could suit: Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, St Kilda

After a brilliant national championships, where he danced around opponents before finding a teammate with precision, Wanganeen-Milera is now right in the top-10 mix. On top of his unrivalled foot skills, the nephew of Port Adelaide and Essendon great Gavin Wanganeen boasts plenty of X-factor, incredible balance, clean hands and speed. There have been some questions over the contested side of his game, but, as the year went on at reserves level, he proved they might be a touch overstated.

THE STAT: In the SANFL reserves grand final, Wanganeen-Milera won 11 of his 20 possessions in a contest and recorded a season-high seven tackles.

Neil Erasmus
Subiaco/WA

Inside midfielder, 192cm, 80kg

Clubs who could suit: Essendon, Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast

Playing as a forward in his bottom-age year, Erasmus put himself on the AFL radar with a standout four-goal performance in Subiaco’s WAFL Colts premiership win. It’s his rapid development into a genuine ball-winning midfielder – at the contest and away from – however, that has seen the teenager rocket into the top-10 mix. And Erasmus’ vertical leap, overhead marking and work ethic stand out among midfielders in this year’s pool – especially at 192cm. Injury ended his season early, forcing him out of the national carnival but, despite a slight concern over his field kicking, Erasmus is likely to be the first WA player selected in the national draft.

THE STAT: As a midfielder in the WAFL Colts, Erasmus rated elite for ranking points (164), disposals (28), kicks (17), contested possessions (16), marks (7., intercept marks (2., intercept possessions (6., clearances (6.3) and score assists (2).

Josh Goater
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Inside midfielder/defender, 190cm, 79kg
Clubs who could suit: West Coast, Richmond, Fremantle, Brisbane, Essendon, Adelaide

Goater starred for Calder as a rebounding, intercept defender late in the NAB League season, consistently thwarting opposition attacks and setting up play from the back-half. But, after stints through the middle, and a standout performances for Vic Metro on the inside, it’s Goater’s potential as 190cm midfielder, who’s brilliant in traffic and can explode out the other side, that has clubs excited. He’s athletic, powerful and is just as impressive springing out of a contest as he is flying for a mark in the air. Can he improve his endurance enough to become the player clubs hope he can be at the next level?

THE STAT: Goater took eight intercept marks in his final two games in the NAB League and tallied 26 disposals, eight clearances and 10 handball-receives playing in the midfield for Vic Metro in June’s trial match.

Matthew Johnson
Subiaco/WA
Balanced midfielder, 192cm, 82kg
Clubs who could suit: Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast, Essendon, Port Adelaide

Johnson boosted his draft stocks significantly in the second half of the season with barnstorming results on and off the field. The tall midfielder shone brightly in the grand final curtain-raiser for Western Australia, winning the best-on-ground medal and setting up the matchwinning goal as he tallied 20 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances against South Australia. He showcased his elite footy IQ and decision making in the opening national championships in an outside role, and enjoyed an impressive finals series at WAFL Reserves level for Subiaco against senior bodies. Johnson capped his year with a third-placed finish in the agility test (8.061-seconds) at the AFL Draft Combine, also placing seventh in both the vertical (72cm) and running vertical tests (89cm), and recording an elite 20m sprint time. Johnson’s blend of class, height and athletic attributes sets him apart from other midfielders in the pool.

THE STAT: In his final four WAFL Reserves matches for Subiaco, Johnson averaged 22.5 touches, 14.5 kicks at 65.5 per cent efficiency and five tackles per game – three of those games being finals.

Tyler Sonsie
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 181cm, 77kg
Clubs who could suit: Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, Richmond, Hawthorn, GWS

A dynamic and creative midfield prospect who hits the scoreboard, Sonsie showcased these traits in an exciting VFL debut for Box Hill. The Ranges midfielder suffered an ill-timed ankle injury in the middle of the year, sidelining him for the two Victorian draft representative matches. His return from injury corresponded with the end of the NAB League season as it was cut short by the Covid pandemic. Regarded as a potential top-10 talent entering the season, Sonsie is a clever and precise ball user with clean hands and speed. Sonsie also has smarts around goal, kicking five goals in as many matches in the NAB League, and he is tipped to start his career in the forward arc. Clubs could snap up a bargain if he slides into the late first-round range.

THE STAT: Sonsie finished with 24 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and two goals in his VFL debut for Box Hill.

Matthew Roberts
South Adelaide/SA
Inside midfielder, 183cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit: Port Adelaide, Richmond, Sydney, Fremantle

After dominating his own age group, Roberts earned promotion to South Adelaide’s senior side this year, where he, again, got the job done – albeit it in a different role across half-forward – booting six goals in seven senior matches. But Roberts, who boasts a neat left-foot kick, is one of the smartest midfielders in the draft. He’s tough, competitive, makes good decisions and an elite footy IQ means he’s always in the right spot. There is some concern over his athleticism, and others may have better highlight reels, but the ready-made Roberts has more runs on the board than most.

THE STAT: In his 10 SANFL under-18 matches over the past two years, Roberts averaged 28 disposals and 160 ranking points.

Zac Taylor
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 180cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit: Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong, Melbourne

Taylor is composed under pressure, agile on his feet and has brilliant hands at stoppages. But what separates him from the other midfielders in the first-round mix is his kicking. Taylor rarely wastes the ball by foot and makes great decisions going inside-50 – and we all know clubs love the money kick. As he showed late in the NAB League, the ball is in his hands a lot, too, with Taylor finishing the season with disposal tallies of 32, 34 and 37, while also recording 22 disposals and five inside-50s for Vic Metro in July.

THE STAT: Highlighting his ability to find a teammate in the forward half, Taylor recorded nine score assists in his final four matches. His average of 1.6 for the year rated elite as a midfielder.

Mitch Knevitt
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Inside midfielder, 193cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit: Richmond, Hawthorn, West Coast, Sydney, Geelong

A hulking inside midfielder, Knevitt is more than meets the eye, showcasing his elite speed-endurance mix at the AFL Draft Combine. Knevitt finished third in the 2km time-trial (6 mins 18 seconds) and tenth in the 20m sprint with a blistering time of 2.976-seconds. These results strengthened his claims as a second-round selection after a dominant finish to the year, where he proved he can be a dangerous threat up forward with his strong overhead marking, as well as a prolific ball-winner. Senior footy looks to be in his sights next year with his size and running capacity.

THE STAT: Knevitt averaged 30.3 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions, 6.7 tackles, 6.3 marks, 6.0 inside 50s and 150.7 ranking points from his last three NAB League matches for the Falcons.

Mitchito Owens
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/St Kilda Next Generation Academy
Balanced midfielder, 190cm, 85kg
Clubs who could suit:St Kilda, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Melbourne

Owens announced himself on the big stage after a late call-up for the Victorian Challenge match, winning 29 disposals, hitting the target with 16 of his 17 handballs and kicking a goal for Vic Metro. The performance encapsulated his unflappable nature, having been axed from the Sandringham Dragons program as a 16-year-old and working his way back into the fold. Owens’s rapid improvement is off he back of significant growth spurt, with the hardworking midfielder viewed as a player with upside. He is tied to St Kilda as a Next Generation Academy prospect due to his mother being born in Japan. New NGA rules preclude the Saints from matching a bid inside the top-20, which Owens could attract on the first night of the draft on November 24.

THE STAT: Owens went at 76.3 per cent disposal efficiency across the NAB League season despite winning close to half of his possessions in a contest.

Angus Sheldrick
Claremont/WA
Inside midfielder, 179cm, 84kg

Clubs who could suit: Hawthorn, Geelong, Richmond, Sydney, West Coast

Sheldrick has bolted into top-30 contention following an emphatic finish to the year, culminating in a best afield display in the final national championships clash against South Australia. The bullocking inside midfielder finished with a game-high 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 clearances, five tackles and a match-sealing goal in the dying minutes against South Australia. His immense WAFL Colts finals series as a goalkicking midfielder for Claremont was telling, considering he played under duress with two bad corkies. Sheldrick has improved his kicking and endurance as the year has gone on, which had been question marks over his game. His scoreboard impact and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments adds to his appeal.

THE STAT: Sheldrick booted six goals and averaged 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six tackles and a whopping 161.3 ranking points in the WAFL Colts finals series.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/draft/afl-draft-2021-the-top-prospects-in-every-position/news-story/800b4757bf96d0d768b9596fe26ad99f

[pmac21]

Like the sound of Kai Lohman with our last pick in the 20s. 

[one-eyed]

An update phantom draft from the BF draft watcher PMBangers:



PICK 9 - Richmond

Josh Gibcus | GWV Rebels/ VIC Country
196 cm | 87 kg
Tall Defender

Gibcus fills the hole of a young tall defender on the Richmond list, and the opportunity to give him a year or two to develop whilst Tarrant is in the Best 22 is something that'd be hard to pass up for the Tigers imo. From a quick browse they've got Biggy and Miller as depth which doesn't really fill me with confidence, I think Gibcus is higher ceiling and higher floor than both.

The bottom end of his development in my opinion is something similar to a Nick Haynes, capable one-on-one but better when allowed to drift around a bit, and not the most damaging ball user, but I think Gibcus has more athleticism than Haynes and doesn't let a defensive focus effect his intercepting as much.

Also considered Erasmus and Johnson, but they've got RCD as a developing tall mid who I liked in his performances this year, plus 3 picks at the abck end of the 20's to fill midfield holes

PICK 17 - Richmond

Zac Taylor | Calder Cannons/ VIC Metro
180 cm | 74 kg
Midfielder

https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/pmbangers-2021-draft-board.1258182/post-69063977

[one-eyed]

ANOTHER VERSION WITH DIFFERENT PICK SWAP IDEAS by BF draft watcher Smythe (ed: with bonus CAPS!!!  )

ROUND ONE

1- - HORNE FRANCIS
ADEL GIVE GWS PICK 4*(CURRENTLY) AND FUTURE FIRST FOR PICK 2 AND FUTURE FIRST
NO BRAINER, GIVE THE KID HIS NAB PORTFOLIO ALREADY

2 - - DAICOS (ADEL BID)
WB - TRADE 23*(CURRENTLY) AND FUTURE 2ND TO GEEL FOR FUTURE FIRST
AGAIN A NO BRAINER, THEY MAY ACTUALLY MATCH IT BEFORE THE BID IS FINISHED BEING READ OUT

3 - - CALLAGHAN
ADEL MOVE UP AND GET A BIG MID WHO IS AN EXCELLENT MOVER

4 - - DARCY (GC BID)
ANOTHER NO BRAINER, NOW TO TRADE BACK INTO THIS YEAR

5 - - GIBCUS
SUNS GO FOR A KPD WHO IS THE BEST AVAILABLE FROM THEIR LIST OF NEEDS

6 - - ANDREW
GWS GET THEIR MAN AFTER TRADING BACK

7- - HOBBS
COULD BE WARD, IM PUTTING HOBBS THOUGH, AS HE FEELS TO BE THE TYPE OF PLAYER SAM MITCHELL LOVES, WARD AND SONSIE ARE SIMILAR TYPES IN A WAY BUT HOBBS WOULD ADD THAT POD IN THE MIDFIELD, NOW, WILL SONSIE SLIDE LIKE I THINK HE WILL AND CAN THEY GET HIM ALSO?

8 - - AMISS
BEFORE ANYONE ELSE TAKES THE KPF FREO ACTUALLY DO NEED, I HAVE THEM TAKING HIM HERE

9 - - WARD
COULD BE HOBBS HERE, AND MAY WELL BE, EITHER WAY ONE OF THOSE MIDS IS GOING TO RICHMOND I THINK, SO WARD SLIPS NO FURTHER

10 - - GOATER
A BIG AGILE MID WHO CAN GO FWD WITH A HIGH CEILING, FREO SAYS YES PLEASE

--- RICH GIVE 17 AND 30 TO STK FOR 11 ---

11 - - JOHNSON
I GET THE FEELING ANOTHER BIG MID IS ON RICHMONDS RADAR, BEING A SMOOTH MOVER WHO ALWAYS SEEMS TO CREATE TIME AND SPACE FOR HIMSELF THEY JUMP UP TO GRAB HIM BEFORE HE GOES

12 - - ERASMUS
BEST AVAILABLE AND A LOCAL WITH TALENT TO BURN, AGAINST TRADITION
CARL GIVE FUTURE FIRST TO ESS FOR 13

13 - - RACHELE
A BEST AVAILABLE IN THEIR EYES WHO ALSO SUITS A NEED FOR A SMALL EXCITING FWD THAT CAN ALSO PLAY MID MINUTES

14 - - DRAPER
BEST AVAILABLE PICK, CAN PLAY MID AND FWD, BEAUTIFUL SKILLSET AND HIGH CEILING

15 - - SINN
BEST AVAILABLE PICK, GIVEN A FULL YEAR HE MAY HAVE BROKEN TOP 10

16 - - WANGANEEN-MILERA
A SILKY SMOOTH, AGILE MOVING KID WHO RARELY MISSES A TARGET

17 - - CHESSER
LOCAL BOY WHO IF PLAYING A FULL YEAR COULD BE MUCH HIGHER ON PEOPLES RADAR

18 - - KNEVITT
KIND OF A SURPRISE FIRST ROUNDER BUT A PERFECT FIT HERE AT SYDNEY GIVEN HIS POTENTIAL AND HIS SIZE IN THE MIDDLE BEING A POD IN THE FUTURE

19 - - BUTLER
BEST AVAILABLE TO THE PREMIERS AT THIS STAGE AND BUTLER WOULD BE A GREAT GET HERE AT 19

20 - - ALLEER
2ND SURPRISE IN THE FIRST ROUND, BUT BEAR WITH ME, I REALLY STRUGGLED TO PUT THIS HERE, HOWEVER, BRISBANE NEED A KPP OR TWO, I THINK THEY WILL LIKE THE AGILITY AND ATHLETIC PROFILE OF ALLEER MORE THAN THAT OF BAZZO AND JVR, ALL 3 OF WHICH MAY BE TOO EARLY TO CALL OUT HERE BUT I BELIEVE THEY WOULD LIKE WHAT ALLEER HAS TO OFFER MORE THAN THE OTHER TWO. MAYBE THEY TRADE THIS DOWN A FEW SPOTS, LETS FIND OUT

ROUND TWO

--- WB GIVE FREO GEELONGS FUTURE 1ST FOR PICK 21 ---

21 - - WILMOT
AFTER TRADING OUT THEY TRADE BACK IN AND GRAB A BARGAIN HERE IN WILMOT

22 - - BAZZO
ADDING YOUTH EVERYWHERE ON THE PARK IS A NEED, BAZZO WOULD BE A GREAT GET TO LEARN THE KPD/INTERCEPT DEF ROLE, COULD GO JVR ALSO

23 - - SONSIE
WELL, HE LASTED THIS LONG AND HAWTHORN DO GET THEIR OTHER MAN

24 - - BROWN
BEFORE TRADING THEIR NEXT PICK GEELONG GET THEIR BOY

--- GEEL GIVE 25 AND FUTURE 2ND TO PORT FOR FUTURE 1ST ---

25 - - ROBERTS
HE IS A MID WHO USES HIS SMARTS AND BODY POSITIONING REALLY WELL TO GET CLEARANCES, SET TEAM MATES UP AND GO FWD TO KICK GOALS, NOT OVERLY QUICK BUT VERY CLEAN AND SMART

26 - - LONG
ANOTHER ONE HAW LIKE IS LONG AND HE FINISHES OFF HAWTHORNS FUTURE MID TRIPLE THREAT, CAN GO FWD AND KICK GOALS AND GREAT IN THE MIDDLE

27 - - MOTLOP
A PURE SMALL FWD AND A SLIPPERY AND SILKY ONE AT THAT, FREO CANNOT MATCH ANY BID UNDER 40, SO THE BLUES GO BANG

28 - - TAYLOR
VERY EFFICIENT USER OF THE BALL AND A SMART FOOTBALLER WHO GIVES 100%, A SMALL FWD/HF TYPE THEY CAN USE WELL WHO CAN ALSO GO INTO THE MIDDLE, WITH JVR STILL ON THE BOARD HE DEFINITELY COULD COME INTO CONSIDERATION

29 - - FAHEY (RICH BID)
A GOOD BID BY RICHMOND AS IF HE HAD A FULL YEAR HE WOULD BE SO, SO MUCH HIGHER ON THE BOARDS, BUT GWS WILL MATCH THE BID HERE

30 - - HOWES
A TALL WINGMAN WHO REALLY IS A UTILITY OF SORTS, PLAYS WELL FWD, PLAYS WELL ON THE WING AND HIS SKILLSET COULD ALSO BE USED ACROSS HB TOO

--- ESS GIVE STK A FUTURE 2ND AND 56 FOR 31, 66 AND 67 ---

31 - - CLARKE
A CLEVER GOAL KICKING FULL TIME SMALL FWD

32 - - SHELDRICK
AGAINST TRADITION AGAIN, I KNOW, BUT WITH THE NEED FOR ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF MIDS, WCE GO LOCAL HERE AND SHELDRICK WOULD SUIT THEM

33 - - OWENS (GEEL BID)
AFTER TRADING WITH RICHMOND EARLIER AND HAVING A COUPLE OF LATE PICKS STK GET THEIR ACADEMY GUN AND MATCH THE BID

34 - - RANKIN
AFTER HAVING A CRACK AT A BIG BULLOCKING FWD/MID IN OWENS, GEELONG GO FOR THE VERY SKILLED, SMART, GOAL KICKING RANKIN.

35 - - MURLEY
IF MURLEY PLAYED ALL YEAR, HE WOULD NOT HAVE LASTED THIS LONG IN THE DRAFT, VERY SMOOTH MOVING, EXCELLENT SKILLS AND A TYPICAL SYDNEY TYPE PICK I THINK

36 - - HOUGH
HAD A GREAT YEAR AND CAN BE UTILISED ALL OVER THE GROUND AND GIVES GEELONG PLENTY TO PLAY WITH WHICH THEY WOULD LIKE

37 - - RAYSON
EXCEPTIONAL USER AND DELIVERER OF THE BALL WITH LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND A HUNGER FOR THE CONTEST

38 - - VAN ROOYEN
COULD REALLY GO ANYWHERE BETWEEN 15 AND 40, BUT I HAVE HIM HERE, AND YOUTH IN THE FWD/DEF ROLES IS A MUST FOR GEELONG AND JVR HAS SHOWN GREAT WORK-RATE IN BEING A UTILITY TYPE THIS YEAR

39 - - BURGOYNE (WCE BID)
DEFINITELY WORTH A BID AROUND THIS MARK AND WOULD COMPLIMENT THE USERS OF THE BALL IN WCE'S ARMOURY BUT PORT WANT HIM AND WILL MATCH

40 - - MACDONALD
ANOTHER MID, THIS TIME A VIC MID WHO IS AGGRESSIVE, MID SIZED, AND CAN DRIFT FWD FOR GOALS BUT IS ALSO AN EXCELLENT TWO WAY RUNNER WHO TACKLES HARD

41 - - BALLANTYNE
DEFINITELY A RISER AND A GOOD FIT HERE AT MELBOURNE GIVEN HIS COMMITMENT TO THE GAME AND HIS CRAFT. A SMALLISH UTILITY WHO HAS SKILLS THAT COULD BE USED DOWN BACK UP FWD OR THROUGH THE WINGS. HAS SHOWN HIMSELF TO BE PERFECTING A WING ROLE

https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/smythes-2021-draft-thread.1252879/post-72803513

[one-eyed]

VICTORIAN prospects could have a final opportunity to impress recruiters ahead of the NAB AFL Draft with a training day being considered for the week before names are called.

The League is exploring holding separate Metro and Country skills sessions and further medical testing for prospects on Monday, November 15, with the training day remaining subject to approvals.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/686409/footy-starved-vic-prospects-could-get-final-chance-to-shine

[one-eyed]

Why recruiters are tipping AFL draft chaos

This year’s AFL draft could have more diamonds in the rough than any in recent memory, a number of recruiters have predicted.

“I’m expecting this draft to be one of those ones where down the track we look back on and think, ‘Geez, how the hell did that happen?’,” Sydney Swans list manager Kinnear Beatson told foxfooty.com.au.

“We just haven’t seen many of the Victorian kids play regularly. Even with the South Australian and WA boys, we haven’t seen them play against great quality.

“I always say to our guys when they’re filing reports about key position players, I have to know who they’ve played on. Especially key position players.”

While making recruiters’ jobs a more volatile affair, the added element of risk to this year’s draft picks does perhaps add some excitability to many more picks beyond the first round than usual.

It’s that excitability that has been largely diluted by the sheer information overload recruiters have had at their disposal before Covid flipped the code on its head.

“I think it’s possible (to find a draft bargain), but I think these days you’ve got so many recruiters, it’s such a different system,” former Carlton recruiter Shane Williamson, who plucked Kade Simpson from the pool with pick No.45 back in 2002, said.

“They know these kids from when they’re about 13 or 14. I think they’d trust themselves to pick the right person, but it’s all opinion.

“There could be someone who gets through but, God, the vision and everything on these kids in Victoria, they’d know them pretty well.”

Like most of the working world has come to terms with web meetings and remote setups, recruiters too have had to settle for remote viewing of potential prospects.

Also like most of the working world, however, the trade offs that come with remote work can make the job harder to execute as had been done previously.

“It’s certainly harder to get a gauge on the talent,” North Melbourne list guru Scott Clayton told foxfooty.com.au.

“WA and SA are okay, although nothing beats live viewing. We’ve watched so much footy from WA and SA but it’s all been off the screen.

“There’s nothing like live viewing - on the screen you don’t see where they’ve come from and where they’re going.

“Some of the guys in their interview process, you ask them how many games they’ve played in the last two years and there’s answers like six or eight.

“Clearly they’ve lost some development - you just hope it’s not too brutal. No one has ever seen a professional athlete being better off for not doing anything.”

Trevor Woodhouse, who was behind the recruitment of Eagles star Jeremy McGovern via the rookie list, expected the top 10 or so picks to remain relatively predictable, but thought from then on it would become a much more intriguing watch.

“I think it could easily be that guys we might have rated from 10 to 20 other clubs might have 30 to 40 or vice versa,” he said.

“We got to a point where come the end of June that the season had sort of warmed up and looked like they were going to play 18s champs and that’s when you can sort of kick off a lot of things, but then the rug got pulled out and the kids didn’t play anymore. It certainly did make a difference”

This year, at least, it seems like there’ll be an element of unpredictability in the draft that has been gradually phased out amid the enormous expansion of football departments in the 21st century so far.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2021-draft-preview-value-picks-recruiter-interviews-bargain-players-predictions/news-story/6e53b43d3c41cf45ac04e40212e47ae0

[one-eyed]

Gold Coast recruiter:

* Unlikely to trade back.

* Looking at the following names at pick 3: Callaghan, Hobbs, Gibcus, Andrew, Rachele and Ward.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/686441/listen-suns-pick-no-3-plans-who-is-player-x-

[one-eyed]

Summary of Top 30 chances according to BF draft watcher Davo-27:

Vic Metro: - the dominant team in the u16's showed against Vic Country they were the team to beat if there was a carnival and i think WA had the talent to put it to them, but their accuracy at goal would have let them down imo and hypothetically Vic Metro would have won this championships imo as a neutral perspective.

Top 30 possibilities:

Callaghan - a player that can find room where not many others can, has good speed, run and carry, but also the best component of agility on field in this draft, his disposal has also been quite good and showed an ability to play inside mid and burst away from packs that got many people excited by the possibilities, the only criticism was that his Geelong VFL performance was very basic and he didnt seem to be playing with any confidence as well as missing the Challenge game so he doesnt have any big game performance you can bank on which is a slight concern

Ward - i liked his games for Northern earlier in the year, but played 2nd fiddle to Ned Long, then when he was given more responsibility as the season went on, really started to show more contested inside footy to add to his run and carry which is a staple of his game, for me was equal best with Goater in the VM Challenge game which really boosted his profile and now has him as a top 10 likely draftee

Goater - i had not seen any of Calders games early which put me behind the 8-ball when it came to Calder talent, but by the time the challenge game came around i was starting to like Goater and Taylor more, although im not as on board with Taylor as some are, Goater i think has a dynamic game style, similar to Sinn and Callaghan who can just fly away from a pack like they have boosters attached to their boots, some queries on his kicking, but i think most players that run as hard as they do usually are sloppy kicks whilst running at full pace, he could definitely use skills work, but he has something special about his game like i think most of the 1st round do

Sinn - a player who had huge wraps and i was expecting to see him cut teams open as a winger and maybe kick bags of goals which he is capable of, but most of the season he spent time off half back with easy poss and not really playing to a standard i would hope/expect of his talents, Callaghan outshun him at club level ect, i didnt like his Vic Metro Challenge Game performance and for Sandringham i thought he had a couple stinkers, which really had me doubt his top 10 credentials, i think he has some serious weapons(speed, long kick, can be a goal kicker) but never had the confidence to put them on show this year in between injury and bad performances, others just went past him tbh.

Owens - saints NGA unless taken top 20, seems likely to go top 20, he has a certain mania to his footy, i had made note of him being a top 6 or so player for Sandringham earlier in the year when i heard nothing about him, but he soon became more noticeable and his Challenge Game was wonderful, i have him as a 2nd rounder, but i can see why a club would reach for him as he could be a good investment with the right attitude and mentals

Long - a very strongly built tall midfielder, think Ollie Wines size, great contested mark and kick for goal, won a lot of contests in the middle then floated forward in the 2nd half of games and average 2-3 goals a game, unfortunately got injured like so many quality players this year so we didnt see how he could influence the state games.

Soligo - a player that doesnt get much recognition and is mostly seen as Sonsie's partner at eastern ranges, but i really liked his Challenge Game and i think it raised his profile enough to push for a top 30 chance possibly, i know he isnt the flavour of the month like some are on bigfooty, but he has performance and speed as an outside mid

Sonsie - a player i was excited to see as he had been fantastic in 2019 as a half forward flanker and part time mid, but the more i saw of his mid game the less i liked, the Geelong VFL game really highlighted something i had been seeing for a couple of weeks prior and that was that he seemed to be hanging out the side of packs looking for a handball receive and doing no defensive work or ball winning of his own, also when he was being fed the footy, he wasnt using the footy in good ways or making good decisions, he also ducked a marking opportunity late in the last quarter when no one was near him, jumping at shadows, which on top of everything else was insult to injury, he then got injured a couple of weeks later, so i think he is a good half forw based on his 2019 form, but his midfield craft is a bit of a concern, his outside game is ok, but he lacks a bit of speed for a smaller guy and his goal kicking is actually quite good, going along with his half forward play

Wilmot - i have loved watching his intercepting half back play for Northern Knights this season, he along with Charlie Molan are the most exciting half backs i think in Vic this season, had an average game for Vic Metro in the Challenge Game, but i think i saw half a dozen Northern Games where he shun as a talent

Taylor - small accumulator inside mid, had an ok Challenge Game, seems to get the ball out the back and kick the ball on angles going forward, i think the talk of him going top 30 is a bit too high, but he has his fans on bigfooty mainly because a few people have said he is an elite kick of the footy, which i dont think he is, but you know how hyperbole is when draft time nears and how the public love eating that stuff up.

other VM Talent that i think proved their worth,
Rankin (always competitive mid/flanker, ok in challenge game and for Oakleigh),
Curtis (played well for VM in the challenge game with 3 goals and a good small forw for Western Jets),
Windhager (if he didnt recently get injured again, this winger might have gone top 20 and ruined the saints chances of getting both NGA's this year),
Caminiti (didnt see him this year but plenty have him going in phantom? so thought i would mention him even though he is a blind spot for me),
Howes (i have been disappointed by Howes for most of the season, was poor as a forward for the first month of the season, was poor in the Vic Metro Challenge Game, apparently had a couple of ok wing games for Sandringham)

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Vic Country: - played Vic Metro and lost convincingly even though they had a solid team on paper and some good depth which shows how strong Vic Metro were this year

Top 30 possibilities:

Hobbs - i know this could be a controversial opinion, but i think Hobbs could be the better inside mid out of him and Daicos(he also has great leadership and interviews well), there have been some queries on speed ect, but his testing says otherwise and he passes the eye test when it comes to speed(he is also a lot tougher than Daicos), he could be the all important engine room clearance mid or the mid that sets up clearances to be more accurate for a team looking to rebuild, was one of the best for Vic Country in their challenge game too.

Rachele - was dominant in 2019 as a half forward being one of if not the best player for Murray, but after 2020 where no games were played and the addition of the bigger bodies of 19 year olds in 2021, he was not as impressive, although his disposal is still top quality and his ability to impact games is still there it was overall disappointing, some clubs are looking at taking him top 10 because they like the qualities he could bring and was so dominant as an underager for Murray and Vic Country, was also one of the best for Vic Country in the challenge game and kicked a monster goal for AFL Academy V Geelong VFL

Knevitt - tall inside mid with great hands in tight and whilst being tackled, doesnt look athletic on field but has impressive combine results, just a smart tall inside mid with a lot of scope to improve, was also one of the best for Vic Country in the challenege game and averaged some big numbers for Geelong prior to the season falling apart

Gibcus - a tall athletic KPD, can go missing at times, can intercept when the ball is in his zone and can defend a tall target like he did on Darcy after he kicked a couple in the challenge game and kept him relatively quiet, although it was more about Vic Metro's targets inside f50 than great defence at times, he is a decent KPD, but seems to get more credit than he deserves imo

Conway - the best ruck ahead of Andrew in the draft pool, i know unpopular opinion but its true, rucked ahead of Andrew who was part time forw part time ruck and was erratic in form, this guy reminds me of a young Big Boy McEvoy but gets very little love as the clear best ruck in the draft pool imo, was one of the best for Vic Country in the challenge game also.

MacDonald - accumulator inside mid for dandenong, has great numbers and plays well to the eye test, was one i noticed early, but was a bit cautious about as i hadnt seen him perform at the state games or in big games yet, but after seeing his performance as one of the best for Vic Country in the challenge game i went all in on him and i think he is the perfect bargain get in the 2nd round

Andrew - very athletic raw ruck, has some moments of special potential, but reminds me of Mabior Chol for Richmond where he would do something special then go through the motions for the rest of the game, interviews well and seems very smart, also has put on 10kgs apparently over the break so he is working on building himself up and if he can find that consistency of effort might be a gem, had a good game for Vic Country in the challenge game.

Molan - had a great game off of half back in 2019 which made me interested to see how he would do in 2021, started slow and i wasnt quite sure about his draft potential until the state games came along and i was convinced, he put in a good game for Vic Country and actually played better for Country than he did for GWV which is a good sign to see a player play better at a higher level

Brown - another half back that is getting a lot of attention for being a non aligned father-son to cat Paul and having great athletic traits at the pre-season combine. i liked him without thinking he was great, relies more on his athleticism than on his footy iq, being talked up a bit higher than i think he should go

Chesser - one of those players that performs better with space, looked fantastic in the u16's champs, but really struggled to find the footy in the u18's challenge game and i think that hurt his prospects a bit, but could still find a place in the top 30 based on athletic traits, good interview ability and potential, saw him play a good game for Sandringham earlier in the year, but overall his 2021 was plagued by injury and poor form.

Clarke - after kicking 6 in the trials there was a lot expected of Judson Clarke, but he really fizzled out in the challenge game hardly getting into the game let alone kicking goals or setting up team mates, played a solid year for Dandenong with his flashy yellow boots, but really is an on again off again player, performance dependant on a particular week(skillful but inconsistent)

Butler - didnt play the challenge game, i saw him for GWV and i remember thinking he went ok, but not really good enough to be talked about as a draft talent, then saw him pop up in some Cal Twomey lists and i was like huh? ok? maybe?, still not really sold along with a couple of others on Cal Twomeys list, then i looked into his stats to see if there was something the eye test missed and other than him having a brother that plays AFL, he has really unimpressive stats for a mid/forw, averages 17 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 7 goals in 9 games, really underwhelming numbers in the NAB League, but he is a decent player to the eye test, just not that good from my PoV, but hey he could develop so best of luck to him(has speed which some clubs love).

other VC Talent that i think proved their worth,
C.Hamilton (playing off half back, seems tough and skillful),
Morrison (one of the better KPD in the draft pool without the hype of others),
Bergman (have not really liked his play much, here because of the hype around him)
Lohmann (didnt play the challenge game but has great athletic traits and can play),

https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/davo-27s-2021-u18-draft-thread.1252633/post-72812575

[one-eyed]

Western Australia: - dominant performances in all areas by WA and they did it without Erasmus missing all 3 games and Amiss for only a game before hurting a knee early in game 2.

Top 30 possibles:

Erasmus - didnt play the series, but looks a great prospect whether it be off half forward or in the midfield where he can create space and deliver into the forward line, fantastic mark for a medium sized player

Amiss - played the 1 game and a bit, kicked a fantastic goal from the boundary 40m out on the run off the left peg, text book leading patterns and strong in the contest, has had a great year kicking over 50 goals in Colts and another couple dozen in state and practice games

Johnson - had a couple of really good games to put his name up there, proving he has what it takes to play good footy in the midfield under contested situations, was one of the better skilled players especially in game 1, lacks a bit of speed, but makes up for it in decision making and quality disposal.

Van Rooyen - played CHB for the most part and was a wall in defence, with spoils, intercepts and drive from defence, he floated forward to kick the winner in game 2 and generally used his athleticism to good affect, also had an outstanding Colts GF in the first quarter and having a few good moments after kicking 3 in the first quarter

Dittmar - was a powerhouse in midfield, not only winning clearances and giving WA momentum, but also tackling hard and doing the defensive duties in midfield, got pushed into the forward line in game 2 and didnt really have an affect before going back into the midfield and influencing the comeback for WA, i rate him higher than most and i genuinely think he is worthy of a top 30 pick

Browne - a player who played a really solid inside/outside game, winning the ball in the coalface, but also providing run and carry, he won plenty of poss, most of his disposals were short, if he had taken more risks and tried to set up more open play he might have performed better?, i really like him and i think he is an outside chance to be top 30, probably more likely to go mid draft though from the Bigfooty Phantom Drafts PoV.

(Hagan, Gilbey, Bevan and Broadbent had good games in the WA V SA series for 2022)

other WA Talent that i think proved their worth,
Tunstill (similar game style to Browne, was a bit more brave with his kicking),
Sheldrick (tough and strong inside mid, big game player, had a great Colts GF performance as well),
Bazzo (had a great series as Full Back, beat most of his opponents and intercepted well),
Hough (played well as either forward or wing, not the most impactful player, but has some talent and came from nowhere),
Jones (had 2 quality games in the series and put his name in draft calculations)
Regan, Benning, Woewodin and Chipper also had good series

players i think hurt their reputation and possible draft chances - Jack Williams

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South Australia: - got soundly beaten in all 3 games against WA, even though the scores werent blow outs, there was a clear difference in talent and depth from WA, some of the SA guys who got hyped earlier in the season were really poor and uncompetitive, the best from the series whether it was 1 or 3 games were imo...

Top 30 possibles:

Wanganeen-Milera was a star for SA in every game and was arguably the best in every game, raised his profile from a pick in the 30/40's where i had him and some didnt even have him in their lists, to now likely first rounder and possible top 10, also was big in the state trials last year and this year, seeming to step up in big games at every opportunity

Roberts - also had a good series, but his lack of athleticism and decision making, also the fact he was not played midfield and had little to no influence in there devalued his performances a little and now he is likely to slide out of the top 10 and maybe even the first round.

(D'Aloia made a huge difference in game 2 and 3 - 2022 talent to keep an eye out for, Lemmey and Michaelanny also showed some talent for 2022)

other SA Talent that i think proved their worth,
Rayson (great runs off of half back),
Ferres (worked hard as one of few tallish forwards who won their position for SA),
Linke (had 2 good games in the midfield after being left out of game 1 i think it was?),
Burgoyne (played an ok role off hbf/wing linking with NWM),
Draper (injured in game 2, played ok in game 1 and was looking good in game 2 before injury hit),
Beecken (had a good game and decent series overall, could be a medium def option)

players from SA i think hurt their reputation and possible draft chances - Hugh Jackson, Blayne O'Loughlin and Hugh Stagg

------------------------------------

Allies: - well theres not much to report on the Allies other than players like Josh Fahey (GWS A) who performed at a very high level against Geelong VFL and in the handful of games he played earlier in the year, then theres the athletic and exciting Sam Banks from Tasmania who provides good run and carry from defence and has shown he can play midfield well, its just unfortunate he hurt his wrist and then the season fell apart like it did, Uwland has been prelisted to GCS list already, Bella is in the open pool for a rookie chance? maybe some guys around the Murray region like Toby Murray could get peoples attention at draft time?

https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/davo-27s-2021-u18-draft-thread.1252633/post-72808040

[one-eyed]

Zac Taylor highlights:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FWGvdk35Yw

[one-eyed]

Greater Western Sydney is unlikely to entertain any rival offers for its pick No.2 ahead of the draft, according to recruiting boss Adrian Caruso.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2021-draft-picks-swaps-latest-selection-news-gws-pick-2-top-prospects-who-will-get-drafted/news-story/681525622d4de4de5fa445663509ed6e

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Josh Rachele has spoken to all 18 AFL clubs ahead of the National Draft, but two teams stood out from the rest during his pre-draft interviews.

“I’ve spoken to all 18 (clubs) and I’ve had four or five double ups as well,” he told SEN Breakfast.

“All of them impressed me. Obviously like everyone, you’d like to go anywhere.

“The mains ones that stood out were probably GWS and Adelaide. Earlier in the year, I had some honest feedback from Adelaide which was good.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/11/03/two-clubs-stood-out-to-potential-top-10-pick-during-pre-draft-interviews/

[one-eyed]

Twomey reckons there are 12-13 names who will end up filling the top 10 spots.

Only club that could overlook Finn Callaghan are the Giants at pick 2.

Hawks' pick 5 - linked to mids - Ward, Hobbs. Would surprise if they went tall.

https://www.afl.com.au/video/686563/a-touch-of-tom-mitchell-about-this-talent-saints-pick-no-9-plans


Going by what Twomey said Horne-Francis, Daicos, Darcy, Callaghan, Andrew, Ward, Hobbs, Gibcus, Rachele, Wanganeen-Milera are 10 of the 12-13 names.

[Knighter]

Twomey reckons there are 12-13 names who will end up filling the top 10 spots.

Only club that could overlook Finn Callaghan are the Giants at pick 2.

Hawks' pick 5 - linked to mids - Ward, Hobbs. Would surprise if they went tall.

https://www.afl.com.au/video/686563/a-touch-of-tom-mitchell-about-this-talent-saints-pick-no-9-plans


Going by what Twomey said Horne-Francis, Daicos, Darcy, Callaghan, Andrew, Ward, Hobbs, Gibcus, Rachele, Wanganeen-Milera are 10 of the 12-13 names.

Add Erasmus, Amiss and Johnson to that 10 and you have the 13 names