2021 Draft thread

[Gracie]

Laughing at the comment "as they bring you all the drama as it unfolds

Seriously drama?

[one-eyed]

Draft Profile: Josh Rachele

A crafty and composed threat in front of goal, this Bushranger firms as a top talent in his class.

By Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
November 14, 2021
 
A member of the NAB League Team of the Year, Josh Rachele is one of the most exciting prospects in his class.

A threatening talent in attack, the Bushrangers star has a keen eye for goal and has shown an ability to impact the scoreboard from any angle.

The skilful medium-sized forward is set to warrant an early calling in the National Draft, as Rachele firms as the best player for his position.

The teenage sensation booted 11 goals from his four matches with Murray this year, also averaging 18.5 disposals, 6.3 marks and 3.8 tackles per game to be named at forward-pocket in the Team of the Year.

Also a representative for Vic Country and the AFL Academy side that faced Geelong's reserves earlier this year, Rachele has been able to utilise his limited exposure in 2021 to impress recruiters.

With his impressive balance as a crafty forward and that is capable of moving into the middle of the ground, Rachele is set to be a highly sought-after name in the opening 10 selections of the draft.

Stunningly, Rachele was a member of Australia's Under 17s soccer squad and had even been offered a scholarship by Melbourne City FC before opting to ply his trade with the Sherrin.

Team: Murray Bushrangers
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 179cm
Weight: 81kg

Strengths
Kicking
Eye for goal
Agility
Match-winner
Composure
Pressure

Weaknesses
Consistency
Four-quarter efforts

Draft Range
4-8

Potential Landing Spots
Adelaide (Pick 4), Hawthorn (Pick 5), Fremantle (Picks 6 &

AFL Comparisons
Toby Greene
Robbie Gray
Michael Walters

Expert Comments
"Small forward/midfielder who was scintillating in the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in 2019 for Victoria Country averaging 26 disposals and winning its MVP as well as the overall division one best and fairest award. A crafty forward kicking six goals against the Northern Knights, averaging 2.8 goals in his four matches for the Murray Bushrangers this year." - Kevin Sheehan

"Everybody wants a gamechanger and Rachele has that capacity. The forward pocket rocket is damaging inside-50 and shapes as a player who will be pushing for selection in his debut season given he can hit the scoreboard in a number of ways." - Callum Twomey

https://www.zerohanger.com/draft-profile-josh-rachele-94269/

[Andyy]

Is this the Toby Greene like kid? Sounds good

[one-eyed]

'I've learned to cop it': Flag hero's brother set to make his own name

SAM BUTLER remembers the moment his big brother Dan won his first premiership.

He also remembers the scenes just after the Richmond's 2017 Grand Final victory, when Sam himself – then just 14 years of age – got his own piece of priceless premiership memorabilia.

"You know that photo with Dusty and Dane Swan in the rooms? I'm in the background. I was pretty happy about that one," Sam laughed.

Four years on, Sam has developed into a tough 184cm mid-forward and is on the cusp of making more of his own memories at this month's NAB AFL Draft after an impressive season with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

While the two brothers are vastly different players – Sam has grabbed the attention of AFL recruiters as a clean, courageous and no-fuss midfielder who can shift into attack, while Dan is a potent and unrelenting pressure forward – they lean on each other for everything.

"With him getting traded and going to a different club, it gave me more of an insight into what it's like. You know what it was like at the Tigers and now the Saints. It's helped me prepare, if I was to get drafted, for life at an AFL club. I've seen those experiences and you know what the environments are like.

"I had previously gone to Richmond during Year 10 for work experience as well. When I was there, I pretty much did what I was doing at St Kilda but I washed a few towels and that as well."

Sam has fans in the top-20 of the draft, while a host of clubs with picks in the early stages of the second round would also be eager for the youngster to slide through the first night on November 24.

The interest comes after a campaign where Champion Data notes that Sam ranked No.1 in the NAB League for contested possessions (9.2 per game), tackles (4.8 ) and goals (0.8 ) among all mid-forwards.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/686252/-i-ve-learned-to-cop-it-flag-hero-s-brother-set-to-make-his-own-name

[one-eyed]

Hawks fan on BF:

"there is a new rumour on our board that we are big into Gibcus at our first selection."

Suns fan on BF:

Got it on very good authority Suns pecking order is
Callaghan
Andrew
Gibcus

Dogs fan on BF:

Dogs chasing smalls, have interviewed Hugh Stagg and Paul Curtis multiple times.

https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/draft-rumours.1291947/page-6

[one-eyed]

Vic draft guns strut their stuff on training track

Recruiters to take one last look at the state's talented youngsters ahead of next week's NAB AFL Draft

By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
15 November 2021

A COLLECTION of Victoria's best draft prospects braved the miserable conditions at Sandringham's Trevor Barker Oval on Monday, giving club recruiters one last look at the state's most talented youngsters ahead of next week's NAB AFL Draft.

Vic Metro's prospects were the first to slug it out in torrential rain and blustery wind, with Collingwood father-son gun Nick Daicos and fellow potential top-three pick Finn Callaghan among those taking part in the light session.

Western Jets youngster Paul Curtis was also involved in the program after overcoming his COVID-19 diagnosis from last month, while top-10 hopeful Josh Sinn made a successful return from hamstring and ankle injuries.

Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Sam Darcy missed with a foot injury, while St Kilda Next Generation Academy youngster Marcus Windhager (back), first-round chance Tyler Sonsie (ankle) and forward Anthony Caminiti (ankle) were also absent.

Vic Country did similar drills in more comfortable conditions later in the afternoon, giving their own top-10 prospects – including Josh Rachele, Ben Hobbs and Mac Andrew – a chance to shine.

But clever forward Sam Butler missed the session due to illness, while Josh Rentsch – the joint-winner of the Morrish Medal as the NAB League's best player this season – was also absent as he was sitting Year 12 exams.

The training session had been organised by the AFL to give clubs one final opportunity to put the state's best draft prospects through their paces, following another season that has been heavily interrupted by Victoria's COVID-19 situation.

The program, which was described by the League as a 'low intensity and craft-based skills session', was conducted by AFL Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer and saw the players take part in a number of basic drills across the afternoon.


Zac Taylor leads the way ahead of the NAB AFL Draft Victoria Training Day at Trevor Barker Oval on November 15, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/687376/update-vic-draft-guns-strut-their-stuff-on-training-track

[the claw]

With what we currently have and looking mainly from the point of view of list needs.

9 Hobbs, Erasmus, Ward, Goater, Johnson one of. I think Gibcus and Amiss could be still be here and it will be interesting to see if we go tall or not. Both actually fit a big list need.

17 Goater, Knevitt, Draper, Fahey, Sonsie and possibly JVR one of. Think Goater could still be here reckon Fahey would be worth bidding on here.


If the first two picks go on mids it leaves us with options to take talls  if we desire. Assuming it is two mids taken early then id go like this

26 Howes,

27 Bazzo, Alleer

28 Williams if not the kpf then Chesser Taylor possibly.

83 If we have not taken a tall defender then there is  a few  mature types who could be there.
Dean, Schlensog, Skinner, If we have taken a tall defender then i reckon Bailey Rogers and Greg Clark well worth a punt.

[one-eyed]

Callum Twomey said Josh Ward wants to stay in Victoria. He's Hawk supporter. Twomey see him going to either Adel, Haw and Rich.

https://www.facebook.com/AFL/videos/448679226775181

[one-eyed]

Pics from today's special training session for Victorian draftees:

The group today:


Mac Andrew


Jamieson Ballantyne


Miller Bergman #64


Finn Callaghan


Campbell Chesser


Judson Clarke


Luke Cleary


Toby Conway


Justin Davies


Charlie Dean


Felix Flockart


Josh Gibcus


Cooper Hamilton


Ben Hobbs



Blake Howes


Mitchell Knevitt


Kai Lohmann


Connor MacDonald


Luke Nankervis


Mitch Owens


Sam Paea


Corey Preston


Josh Rachele


Jai Serong


Josh Sinn


Hamish Sinnott


Dante Visentini


Josh Ward


Darcy Wilmot


https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202021%20Media%20-%20NAB%20AFL%20Draft%20Victoria%20Training%20Day

[one-eyed]

The draft order will stay the same ahead of next week after there were no pick swaps lodged on the final day of the pick swap trade period. Deadline was 5pm today.

Josh Rachele was a standout on the track today at the Victorian training day. Buzzed around, skills terrific, real zip to his game. Going to be a powerful small forward early days and eventually a damaging midfielder/forward. Can't wait to watch him at AFL level.

Campbell Chesser back to his athletic best at training day today. His year was hit by a knee injury but was impressive with leap and movement.

Blake Howes also very good - a reason he's pushed into top-20 mix.

While ruck Toby Conway was also another to take the eye.

https://twitter.com/CalTwomey

[MintOnLamb]

Is Nankervis related to Toby??
Hobbs and Chester look good

[Damo]

Is Nankervis related to Toby??
Hobbs and Chester look good

Nankervis looks like a young Ivan Maric .. uncanny

[one-eyed]

Is Nankervis related to Toby??

I don't think they are. Toby is from Tasmania whereas Luke plays for the Sandy Dragons and Bentleigh NFC in the Southern FL here in Victoria.

[Owl]

Lucky I saw a photo of all these dudes i won’t see play for years

[one-eyed]

Cal Twomey's Phantom Form Guide: Best draft prospects ranked (November 2016)

nb. Remember this is not a mock draft – it is our rankings of the best players and does not take into account where father-son or Academy bids could come.

1. Nick Daicos (Coll F/S) ........ Midfielder               183cm/72kg   3/1/03    Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
2. Jason Horne-Francis .......... Midfielder                183cm/77kg 21/6/03    South Adelaide/South Australia
3. Sam Darcy (Dogs F/S) ....... Forward/defender    204cm/75kg 19/7/03    Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
4. Finn Callaghan .................. Midfielder               189cm/82kg  26/4/03   Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
5. Ben Hobbs ....................... Midfielder                183cm/80kg 16/9/03    Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Vic Country
6. Josh Ward ........................ Midfielder                181cm/79kg  15/8/03   Northern Knights/Vic Metro
7. Josh Rachele .................... Forward/midfielder   180cm/78kg 11/4/03    Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country (+1)
8. Josh Gibcus ...................... Key defender           195cm/84kg  4/4/03    Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Vic Country (-1)
9. Mac Andrew ..................... Ruckman                 200cm/70kg  12/4/03   Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
10. Neil Eramus .................... Midfielder/forward   188cm/80kg  2/12/03    Subiaco/Western Australia
11. Jye Amiss ....................... Key forward            195cm/83kg  31/7/03    East Perth/Western Australia
12. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera .. Midfielder              187cm/69kg  22/2/03    Glenelg/South Australia
13. Josh Sinn ......................... Half-back/midfielder 186cm/73kg  7/1/03    Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
14. Matthew Johnson ......,...... Midfielder               192cm/80kg  16/3/03    Subiaco/Western Australia
15. Arlo Draper ..................... Midfielder/forward   185cm/71kg  20/1/03    South Adelaide/South Australia
16. Tyler Sonsie .................... Midfielder               181cm/77kg  27/1/03    Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
17. Darcy Wilmot .................  Defender                183cm/75kg  31/12/03  Northern Knights/Vic Metro (+2)
18. Josh Goater .................... Midfielder               190cm/79kg   2/6/03     Calder Cannons/Vic Metro (-1)
19. Sam Butler ....................  Midfielder/forward   184cm/73kg  10/2/03    Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Vic Country (-1)
20. Jacob Van Rooyen ........... Forward/defender    194cm/88kg  16/4/03    Claremont/Western Australia (+1)
21. Campbell Chesser ............ Midfielder/defender  186cm/83kg 27/4/03    Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country (+1)
22. Jesse Motlop ................... Forward                 176cm/74kg  23/11/03   South Fremantle/Western Australia (-2)
23. Tom Brown ....................  Defender                186cm/71kg  30/7/03    Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
24. Blake Howes .................. Forward/midfielder   190cm/79kg   7/4/03     Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro (+4)
25. Toby Conway .................. Ruckman                204cm/90kg  24/4/03    Geelong Falcons/Vic Country (-1)
26. Zac Taylor ...................... Midfielder               180cm/74kg   31/1/03     Calder Cannons/Vic Metro (-1)
27. Josh Fahey ..................... Defender                186cm/76kg  11/11/03   GWS Academy (-1)
28. Marcus Windhager ........... Midfielder               183cm/82kg  16/5/03    Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro (+1)
29. Mitchito Owens ................ Midfielder               190cm/85kg  24/9/03    Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro (+1)
30. Connor MacDonald ........... Midfielder               184cm/77kg  13/1/03    Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country (+1)
31. Mitch Knevitt ................... Midfielder               193cm/81kg   8/1/03     Geelong Falcons/Vic Country (+1)
32. Rhett Bazzo ................. Key defender/forward 195cm/81kg  17/10/03   Swan Districts/Western Australia (+1)
33. Judson Clarke .................. Forward                 180cm/70kg  17/10/01   Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country (+2)
34. Jake Soligo ...................... Midfielder              179cm/80kg   25/1/03    Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro (new)
35. Angus Shedrick ................ Midfielder              179cm/86kg   7/11/03    Claremont/Western Australia (new)


Dropped out of Top 35:
Matthew Roberts ............. Midfielder/forward   183cm/81kg  31/7/03    South Adelaide/South Australia (-9)
Jack Williams .................. Key forward            195cm/91kg  1/12/03    East Fremantle/Western Australia (-2)
Hugh Jackson ................. Midfielder               181cm/70kg    3/5/03     North Adelaide/South Australia

Full summary of each potential draftee here: https://www.afl.com.au/news/687290/cal-twomeys-phantom-form-guide-top-draft-prospects-november-ranking