https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/pmbangers-2023-draft-thread.1348092/post-81582888
Archer ReidHighlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBMnur7BLU0Height: 203cm
Weight: 94kg
D.O.B: 19-09-2005
Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys
SNAPSHOT: “A highly mobile forward target, Archer Reid is difficult to stop on the lead and clean below his knees at 203cm.”
Archer Reid came into the 2023 season as one of the most highly touted tall talents, and while he didn’t quite hit the heights of a promising bottom-aged campaign this year, arguably remains among the top 25 prospects. There’s a lot to be said about Reid’s perseverance after he fought back from early form struggles and gradually found his feet, stringing together a purple patch in the middle of the Talent League season. A return of 11 goals over the course of just three games served as a reminder of his significant potential.
The 203cm brother of Zach Reid is the third of his siblings to graduate through the Gippsland Power pathway, earning plenty of plaudits and representative honours along the way. He turned out for Vic Country over two Under 18 National Championships and was a member of this year’s AFL Academy, playing against VFL opposition in two showcase games. He’s a prospect with a wide draft range, but more than enough fans to get him a chance at the next level. Once in the system, he could thrive.
https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/archer-reid/------------------------------------------
Cooper SimpsonHighlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi0rSZckYAQInterview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELHdBpjiilMHeight: 181cm
Weight: 79kg
D.O.B: 13-02-2005
Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys
SNAPSHOT: “Cooper Simpson is a clean and quick midfielder who hits the scoreboard and has noted leadership qualities.”
There was plenty of promise surrounding Cooper Simpson coming into his draft year, having produced a sparkling bottom-aged campaign. The Dandenong Stingrays star was part of the region’s side which made the 2022 Coates Talent League Grand Final, playing 14 games and quickly graduating from forward to midfielder.
He duly earned a spot in the 2023 AFL Academy and was named co-captain of the Stingrays alongside Harry DeMattia. Representative honours followed, though Simpson’s National Championship campaign was cut short after sustaining a nasty corked thigh in Vic Country’s opening game.
That wasn’t before an opportunity with Casey Demons in the VFL though, where Simpson debuted in Round 5. He returned from injury late in the year for Dandenong, recapturing some of his best form and earning a National Draft Combine invite.
https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/cooper-simpson/Murray Bushrangers’ Darcy Wilson said: “I think
Cooper Simpson. He gets talked about a little, but he missed out on the national carnival, which probably didn’t help him. He’s such a professional and if I had an early pick, I think I’d take him. He played some very good footy last year, as well as this year when he hasn’t been injured. His footy IQ is pretty high, he makes good decisions with ball in hand and then he’s pretty good with his running ability and he‘s quick.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2023-news-prospects-nominate-bolters-james-leake-arie-schoenmaker-ashton-moir-charlie-edwards-rankings-order-date/news-story/eb73c87b18ab64d148ca14f026a584e1