2023 AFL Draft

[WilliamPowell]

I think the gamble was that we'd finish top 8 and be trading pick 11-14 which might have slid due to bids anyway so pick 13-16.

Gambled and lost.

Personally I think we'd have done a lot better this year if Lynch wasn't injured and would be top 8 at the pointy end.

As for Hopper, I rated him highly at GWS. Still hoping and think it's possible he gets his body right and returns to his good form but 2023 hasn't been a good year for him.

Excellent post

Agree with all of it.

I've always rated a Hopper highly, just been a crap year injury wise, now concussion. Reckon we will know more in 2024

[one-eyed]

Cal Twomey's Phantom Form Guide: Top draft prospects' August ranking

1. Harley Reid ............... 17/04/05   185cm  85kg     Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country               Midfield/forward
2. Jed Walter ................ 08/06/05   195cm  94kg     Gold Coast Academy/Palm Beach/Allies  Key forward
3. Zane Duursma .......... 20/08/05    189cm  80kg     Gippsland Power/Vic Country               Midfielder/forward (+3)
4. Colby McKercher ....... 12/04/05    182cm  76kg     Tasmania/Launceston/Allies                 Midfielder
5. Nick Watson ............. 24/02/05    170cm  68kg     Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro                    Forward (-2)
6. Daniel Curtin ............ 08/03/05    195cm  94kg     Claremont/Western Australia               Key defender/forward   (-1)
7. Ryley Sanders .......... 21/01/05    186cm  85kg     Tasmania/Sandringham Dragons/Allies  Midfielder (+2)
8. Nate Caddy .............. 14/07/05    192cm  91kg     Northern Knights/Vic Metro                  Key forward/midfielder (-1)
9. Ethan Read .............. 07/07/05    200cm  88kg     Gold Coast Academy/Palm Beach/Allies  Ruck (-1)
10. Connor O'Sullivan ... 19/05/05    198cm  92kg      Murray Bushrangers/Allies                   Key defender/forward
11. Jordan Croft ........... 12/05/05    201cm  80kg      Calder Cannons/Vic Metro                    Key forward (+2)
12. Jake Rogers ........... 02/03/05    172cm  69kg     Gold Coast Academy/Broadbeach/Allies  Midfielder (-1)
13. Ollie Murphy .......... 16/09/05    200cm  85kg      Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro           Key defender (+3)
14. Darcy Wilson .......... 18/08/05    185cm  73kg     Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country           Midfielder/forward (-2)
15. Will McCabe ........... 29/09/05    197cm  81kg     Central District/South Australia             Key defender/forward
16. Archie Roberts ....... 18/11/05    184cm  77kg      Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro           Defender (+1)
17. James Leake .......... 10/02/05    188cm  75kg     Tasmania/Launceston/Allies                  Defender (new)
18. Riley Hardeman ...... 27/02/05   188cm  80kg      Swan Districts/Western Australia           Midfielder
19. Caleb Windsor ........ 09/06/05   185cm  74kg      Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro                     Midfielder (new)
20. Mitch Edwards ........ 02/06/05    206cm  88kg     Peel Thunder/Western Australia             Ruck (-6)
21. Archie Reid ............ 19/09/05    203cm  93kg     Gippsland Power/Vic Country                 Key forward (new)
22. Harry DeMattia ...... 11/09/05    184cm  77kg      Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country         Midfielder/forward (-3)
23. Koltyn Tholstrup ..... 28/06/05   186cm  86kg      Subiaco/Western Australia                    Forward/midfielder (new)
24. Will Green ............. 08/09/05    204cm  89kg      Northern Knights/Vic Metro                  Ruck (-4)
25. Ashton Moir ........... 15/04/05    188cm  84kg      Glenelg/South Australia                       Forward (new)

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1009306/cal-twomey-s-phantom-form-guide-top-draft-prospects-august-ranking

[mightytiges]

Imagine we trade back in to the first round or top 10 even and grab another flanker...with blokes like Caddy & Sanders still on the board...

Caddy looks a Charlie Curnow clone. He still kicked 4 on the weekend but if he had kicked straight it could have been 7-8 goals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF8mHHl0VFs

[one-eyed]

Mutaz El Nour has been on the radar of clubs as a mid-season rookie option in recent seasons after impressing for Richmond's VFL side as an intercept defender.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1015900/mature-aged-vfl-trio-among-latest-invitees-to-draft-combines

Did we get him an invite to the State Combine?

[Diocletian]

Would draft Yassine & Lefau before El Nour. 

[one-eyed]

Top 40 prospects ranked and profiled as bolters and sliders emerge

Chris Cavanagh
HeraldSun
August 22, 2023

Less than three months remain until the 2023 AFL Draft.

Clubs continue to work round the clock towards finalising their draft boards for the big night in late November.

Here are the top 40 prospects from around the country as things stand in our August Power Rankings.

AFL DRAFT POWER RANKINGS - AUGUST

1. Harley Reid
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Midfielder-Forward, 185cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 19.5 disposals (12.5 contested), 4.3 marks, 6.5 clearances, 3.8 inside-50s, 2.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 112 ranking points (4 games)   

Clubs are desperate to get their hands on Reid, but the Kangaroos won’t be giving up the No. 1 pick if they hold onto it from here. The 18-year-old only enhanced his standing as he logged 24 disposals and six clearances in a VFL match for Essendon earlier this month. Bombers senior coach Brad Scott said after that game that “the hype is real” on Reid, labelling him a “very complete player”. The boy from Tongala has power, strength, speed, a big leap and some serious X-Factor in the forward half.

2. Jed Walter
Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies
Forward, 195cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 13 disposals, 7 marks, 2.8 contested marks, 7.5 score involvements, 2.8 goals, 104 ranking points (4 games)

After the conclusion of the under-18 national championships, Walter was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. However, he showed more than enough in the first half of the year to keep himself at the very pointy end of club draft boards. A power key forward, Walter is likened to Carlton’s Charlie Curnow and hits packs, takes marks and kicks goals. But he is also incredibly good for his size when he doesn’t have the ball with his run and chase and willingness to defend.

3. Zane Duursma
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Midfielder-Forward, 189cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 15.3 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.8 marks, 4 inside-50s, 2.8 clearances, 3.5 tackles, 6.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1.8 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)                   

Clubs looking for some serious X-Factor at the pointy end of this year’s draft need not past Duursma, who has found some serious form in the second half of the year to move into top-three contention. A mid-sized forward who can also run through the midfield, he was best afield with 191 SuperCoach ranking points in Vic Country’s final match of the under-18 national championships and has had some more dominant games for the Power in the Coates Talent League since, including a six-goal haul against Bendigo.

4. Colby McKercher
Tasmania Devils/Allies
Midfielder, 182cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 32.8 disposals (9.3 contested), 5.8 marks, 5 inside-50s, 7.8 ground ball gets, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 1.8 score assists, 150 ranking points (4 games)

A prolific ball-winner, McKercher has been Mr Consistent this season and recruiters label him a “superstar” who looks a definite top-five pick in this year’s draft. The Tasmanian has had an impact in every game and at every level that he’s played this season and was one of the Allies’ standout performers during the under-18 national championships. A left-footer, he’s been described as a faster version of Essendon captain Zach Merrett. High wraps, indeed.

5. Daniel Curtin
Claremont/Western Australi
Midfielder/Defender, 195cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 23.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 5.8 intercept possessions, 3.3 inside-50s, 3.5 clearances, 4.5 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 0.3 goals, 137 ranking points (4 games)

A lot of clubs now believe Curtin is a top-five pick is believed to be in the sights of West Coast. Curtin has impressed playing senior WAFL football for Claremont over recent weeks, looking right at home with 21 disposals in his debut match. Described as “ultra-professional”, he has spent time both as a key defender and a midfielder this season. While Curtin is expected to begin an AFL career as a backman, he has shown enough to suggest he could become a tall, big-bodied midfielder in time.

6. Nick Watson
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Forward, 170cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1 clearance, 7.3 score involvements, 1 tackle, 1 score assist, 3.5 goals, 97 ranking points (4 games)                                                           

Small forwards aren’t often taken as top-10 picks, but Watson might just buck the trend. A goalkicking dynamo with the nickname ‘The Wizard’, he was the leading goalkicker in the under-18 national championships with 14 majors from his three games. After the national championships, Watson returned to school football at Caulfield Grammar and continued kicking bags of goals on a weekly basis. He is quick, agile, reads the play well, uses his body to perfection in marking contests and has unrivalled goal sense.

7. Ryley Sanders
Sandringham Dragons/Allies
Midfielder, 186cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 35.8 disposals (14.5 contested), 6.3 marks, 5.8 inside 50s, 5 clearances, 4 tackles, 8.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 1 goal, 170 ranking points (4 games)                 

The AFL is yet to tick off Sanders’ eligibility for North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy and hasn’t yet approved a draft assistance package for the Kangaroos. So for now, this talented midfielder remains on the open market and looks as a certain top-10 pick. Sanders took out the Larke Medal as the best player of the under-18 national championships after starring for the Allies. He was also a standout for Melbourne Grammar during the APS season. Sanders a bull in the contest and has improved his fitness this year to become far more damaging on the spread.

8. Ethan Read
Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies
Ruckman, 200cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 21.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, 13 hitouts (3 to advantage), 2.5 clearances, 5.5 score involvements, 3 tackles, 0.5 score assists, 0.3 goals, 119 ranking points (4 games)

Far more than just a ruckman, Read has been linked to Geelong’s Mark Blicavs by his Allies coach Mark McVeigh. While he can ruck – and very well – the Suns Academy prospect could develop into a key defender or even a midfielder across his AFL career. He runs a 2km time trial in under six minutes, is a great kick of the ball, has a big leap, takes plenty of marks around the ground and rarely wastes the footy. Gold Coast has put a lot of work into Read over the years and he trained with the club last summer, while he has also had a taste of VFL football with the Suns in recent weeks.

9. Connor O’Sullivan
Murray Bushrangers/Allies
Defender, 198cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 8.3 marks, 2.5 intercept marks, 6.8 intercept possessions, 4 spoils, 3 rebound 50s, 99 ranking points (4 games)                                                   

O’Sullivan’s stocks rose significantly during the under-18 national championships, with the Albury product bolting into top-10 calculations. He won the MVP award for the Allies, which says something given the top-end talent in that side this year. A strong-marking tall, O’Sullivan has played as both a key forward and a key defender over the past two years but looks best suited to a role down back. He has slotted back into defence with the Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League in recent weeks and has impressed, including in a big battle with Calder Cannons key forward and fellow first-round draft prospect Jordan Croft in round 15.

10. Nate Caddy
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Forward, 192cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 11.7 disposals (6 contested), 3.7 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 4.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 2 goals, 78 ranking points (3 games)

Caddy’s form has been a little up and down this season, but the high-level talent he possesses is unquestionable and clubs are excited about what the future holds. Caddy looks up to Carlton forward Charlie Curnow, but has also looked good in some stints playing as a big-bodied midfielder this year. Caddy missed Vic Metro’s first match of the under-18 national championships with chickenpox but showed off his marking ability and kicked six goals across his final three matches of the carnival. Boasting strong athletic traits including an exciting natural leap, he has also had some big games for the Knights in the second half of the season, including 25 disposals and six goals against Bendigo in round 11.

11. Jake Rogers
Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 172cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 22.5 disposals, 5.5 clearances, 4.8 inside 50s, 2.3 marks, 6.3 ground ball gets, 5.3 tackles, 5 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 108 ranking points (4 games)

Some clubs say that Rogers is the cleanest player they have seen coming through the talent pathways. A dynamic and speedy midfielder, he gets from contest to contest and has incredibly clean hands which allows him not only to pick up the footy but also effectively get it to teammates on the outside. Rogers’ vision and creativity are other features of his game, along with his leadership. He was best on ground with 27 disposals (13 contested) and six clearances in the AFL Academy’s exhibition match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, proving he is ready to step up to the next level. Rogers has drawn comparisons to Gold Coast’s Touk Miller, but has also been labelled “as clean as Caleb Daniel”. He has had a taste of VFL football with the Suns in the second half of the season.

12. Darcy Wilson
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Midfielder, 185cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 16 disposals, 2.8 marks, 1.8 clearances, 4.3 inside-50s, 3 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1 goal, 79 ranking points (4 games)

A wingman or high half-forward, Wilson’s running ability is “ridiculous”. He finished fifth among all the Victorian draft hopefuls in the YoYo test during pre-season testing in March and has put that athletic ability on show on a weekly basis throughout the season. The running power allows Wilson to get to plenty of contests and while he has been playing mostly onball for the Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League this year, he looks perfectly suited to a wing role in the AFL. Wilson also takes the game on, has good football IQ, is a thumping kick and has been able to regularly hit the scoreboard throughout the year.

13. Jordan Croft
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Forward, 200cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.7 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.3 goals, 68 ranking points (3 games)

Will the Western Bulldogs pay up for yet another tall to add to their list? The son of former Bulldogs key defender Matthew Croft is making a name for himself in the front half of the ground after a breakout season and is a father-son prospect for the club. While still lightly-built, he’s extremely mobile and athletic, leads well and marks the ball at the highest point, which makes him tough for opposition defenders to stop. Croft has regularly finished with multiple goals in matches this year, including three in Vic Metro’s first match of the national championships against South Australia. He also went up against top-10 draft prospect Connor O’Sullivan in round 15 of the Coates Talent League and finished with 17 disposals, seven marks, 12 score involvements and three goals to further frank his first-round prospects.

14. Ollie Murphy
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Defender, 200cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 5.3 intercept possessions, 4 rebound 50s, 3.8 spoils, 1.5 tackles, 74 ranking points (4 games)

A relative unknown at the start of the year, Murphy has emerged as a first-round draft bolter after taking out Vic Metro’s MVP award following an exceptional under-18 national championships campaign in defence. He had played as a forward and back-up ruckman in his bottom-age season last year. However, Murphy has taken to his new role as a key defender in 2023 like a duck to water. While still lightly framed, the Sandringham Dragons product is viewed as a “high reward” prospect given his ability to win the ball back, while he also kicks the footy well for a player of his size, is a strong runner and is ultra-competitive. Murphy was given some big jobs during the national championships – including on top key-forward prospect Jed Walter – and rose to those challenges.

15. Will McCabe
Central District/South Australia
Defender, 197cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 11.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 rebound 50s, 3.3 tackles, 7.3 spoils, 95 ranking points (3 games)

Shaping as South Australia’s top draft prospect, McCabe was an All-Australian at under-16 level last year and has gone on to build a strong top-age season. The son of former Hawthorn star Luke McCabe – who played 138 games for the club – he is yet to officially nominate as a father-son for the Hawks but is expected to attract a first-round bid if he does. A tall defender, McCabe is a competitive player who has a good natural leap, is nice overhead mark and wins plenty of one-on-one battles. He is quite athletic, can play on talls or smalls and is an elite reader of the play. He has continued his good under-18 national championships form back in the SANFL under-18s with Central Districts.

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[one-eyed]

16. Riley Hardeman
Swan Districts/Western Australia
Defender, 185cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 18.5 disposals, 5.8 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 4.5 intercept possessions, 6.3 rebound 50s, 1.8 tackles, 90 ranking points (4 matches)

A left-footed rebounding defender, Hardeman led from the front as captain of Western Australia during the national championships. It was well known entering the year that he had great speed and was a booming and accurate kick, but Hardeman has also been able to add another element to his game this season with his strong overhead marking. Hardeman played in a WAFL Colts premiership for Swan Districts in 2021, still aged 16. He has been exposed to senior WAFL football with the Black Swans this season, while also firing in the Colts.

17. Mitchell Edwards
Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Ruckman, 205cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 10 disposals (7 contested), 2 marks, 23 hitouts (8.7 to advantage), 2 clearances, 3.7 tackles, 0.3 goals, 94 ranking points (3 games)

The best pure ruckman in this year’s draft pool – if you exclude the versatile Ethan Read – is Edwards. He stood out as a bottom-age player in the national championships last year and backed up those performances as a top-age prospect this season. Edwards has impressive ruck craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and quite mobile for his size. He still has plenty of development to come physically and from a running point of view, but looks near-certain to be a first-round draft pick regardless. Edwards was sorely missed by Western Australia in its last match of the championships, sitting out the match after suffering a concussion. However, he has since returned to the field for Peel Thunder in the WAFL Reserves.

18. Caleb Windsor
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Wing, 184cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 15.8 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.5 inside-50s, 3.5 tackles, 5.3 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 82 ranking points (4 games)

A wingman with pace to burn, Windsor has been gradually climbing up draft boards across the course of the season to now sit as a potential first-round selection. He recorded a slick time of 2.91sec in the 20m sprint test during pre-season testing, while he also makes good decisions and uses the ball well by hand and foot. Windsor works hard and holds his lanes well as a wingman, but he also spent some time as an inside midfielder for Vic Metro during the under-18 national and impressed with his contest work. Windsor has impressed with his work at the Ranges in the Coates Talent League, particularly in the second half of the season after a foot injury impacted his start to the year.

19. Koltyn Tholstrup
Subiaco/Western Australia
Forward, 184cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 18.7 disposals, 6 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 2 tackles, 6.7 score involvements, 1.3 score assists, 0.3 goals, 88 ranking points (3 games)

One of Western Australia’s best players across each of his three national championships matches, Tholstrup has left himself in the frame to be a top-20 draft selection. He missed Western Australia’s first match against the Allies with a back issue, but returned with a bang to log 21 disposals, eight marks and a goal against South Australia. Tholstrup generally plays as a high half-forward but can also have stints through the midfield. He has a fierce competitive edge, is fearless in the contest, has excellent game sense, is a penetrating kick and has some real polish in his game. Hailing from Esperance in regional WA, Tholstrup has also proven himself against men this season, playing regular senior WAFL football for Subiaco.

20. Archer Reid
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Forward, 203cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 8.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 1 contested mark, 1 tackle, 5.5 score involvements, 1 goal, 63 ranking points (4 games)

The younger brother of Essendon defender Zach Reid, this towering Gippsland Power product plays at the other end of the ground. He is an exceptional overhead mark, reads the ball well in flight, is extremely mobile, good below his knees and has a strong natural goal sense. Having been highly-touted entering the year, Reid had a quieter than expected start to this season but has found some greater consistency over recent months. He kicked 2.2 from eight disposals and seven marks for Vic Country in the final match of the under-18 national championships and booted seven goals from two games after returning to the Power in the Coates Talent League. While Reid isn’t ready to step straight into the AFL next year he could provide a club with some serious long-term rewards.

21. Archie Roberts
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Defender, 182cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 1 intercept mark, 4.3 intercept possessions, 6 rebound 50s, 3.5 score involvements, 1.5 tackles, 87 ranking points (4 games)

A rebounding halfback with a bit of swagger about him, Roberts hasn’t put a foot wrong across his various football programs this year. He finds a way to have an impact week-in, week-out and was a key part of Vic Metro’s backline across the under-18 national championships. The left-footer is a damaging and penetrating kick, while he is also an elite runner who loves to play on and run and carry off halfback to break the lines. Roberts has also become a fine intercept player, while still being accountable to his man. He had 21 disposals as a bottom-age player in Sandringham’s premiership side last season and has impressed both with the Dragons and at school football with Haileybury this year.

22. James Leake
Tasmania Devils/Allies
Defender, 188cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 16.3 disposals, 5 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 6.3 intercept possessions, 86 ranking points (4 games)

A medium-sized rebounding defender, Leake has bolted up draft boards this year. He was named on the bench in the All-Australian side after a strong campaign for the Allies at the under-18 national championships and has also had a consistent season for Tasmania Devils in the Coates Talent League. Leake has speed and power, as part of an impressive athletic profile. He is a strong interceptor and makes good decisions when he wins the ball back. Leake played across halfback in a Tasmanian State League premiership for Launceston as a 16-year-old last year and has also shown some ability at the other end of the ground this season. He has kicked seven goals from his past two games for the Devils playing as a marking forward.

23. Arie Schoenmaker
Tasmania Devils/Allies
Defender, 194cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 16 disposals, 7.5 marks, 426m gained, 4.5 score involvements, 1.0 goals, 77 ranking points (2 games)

A versatile player, Schoenmaker’s kicking ability has clubs excited. He is a penetrating kick who can break the game open from any position he plays. Schoenmaker missed 10 weeks at the start of the year due to a suspension for an off-field indiscretion, but has impressed at every level since returning. He featured in two games for the Allies, spending time on a wing and kicking 2.2 in a match against Vic Metro. With the Devils in the Coates Talent League he has primarily played across halfback, but he was also thrown in the ruck against Calder Cannons in Round 16 and impressed with his spread away from contest and kicking going inside-50.

24. Logan Morris
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Forward, 192cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 0.5 tackles, 4 score involvements, 1 goal, 70 ranking points (4 games)

While not a big key forward, Morris has been able to have a big impact on a lot of games this year. Likened to St Kilda’s Tim Membrey, he has a powerful set of hands in the air and has proven to be a regular and accurate goalkicker. Morris had a standout performance for Vic Metro during the under-18 national championships, logging 16 disposals, 11 marks (five contested), 12 score involvements and kicking 4.1 in the side’s third match against Western Australia. His stats averages for the tournament were brought down by a poor final game against Vic Country, though, which Morris went into after battling illness all week. While also capable of playing in defence, Morris looks most at home in the forward line and has kicked multiple goals in every game he has played for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League this season.

25. Harry De Mattia
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder-Forward, 184cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 14.3 disposals, 2 marks, 5 inside-50s, 2.3 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 score involvements, 73 ranking points (4 games)

A former junior cricket star who represented Victoria, De Mattia impressed recruiters during the national championships with Vic Country. He showed off his explosive speed breaking away from the contest, as well as nice agility, clean hands and his pressure game. De Mattia was also deployed in a different role in the backline during the final match of the tournament and didn’t look out of place given he is a defensively-minded player who regularly lays plenty of tackles. Dual-sport athletes have some added appeal to clubs given their ability to learn, which could enhance De Mattia’s prospects later in the year.

26. Joel Freijah
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Midfielder, 191cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 12.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 0.8 clearances, 1.8 tackles, 3.8 score involvements, 0.8 goals, 60 ranking points (4 games)

There are some knocks on Freijah about his willingness to go after the hard ball, but his strengths are clear to see. At athletic wingman or midfielder at a good height, Freijah is an elite runner, has a strong body, possesses great composure, is clean below his knees and kicks the ball beautifully. During pre-season testing he ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20 metre sprint to highlight his speed, while he also holds his width when playing on a wing. A round 4 game for the Rebels showed scouts the ability Freijah has got as he logged 26 disposals, six clearances and kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance that day, playing primarily on one wing. He also had some nice moments for Vic Country during the under-18 national championships.

27. Luke Lloyd
Sandringham Dragons
Forward, 193cm

U18 National Championships Averages: N/A

A late-season draft bolter, Lloyd missed selection for Vic Metro in the under-18 national championships after being sidelined for the early rounds of the Coates Talent League season with a quad injury that he suffered late in pre-season. However, he has drawn the attention of clubs since kicking 19 goals in a game for school team De La Salle in May, which followed a 14-goal haul in a preliminary final as a 16-year-old last year. A third-tall type of forward who also has the ability to play down back, Lloyd possesses an impressive set of hands in the air and works hard up the ground as a lead-up half-forward who links the play. When he does take a grab inside-50 he makes the most of his opportunity in front of goal more often than not. The Dragons rate Lloyd as one of the most naturally talented players on their list this year.

28. Cooper Simpson
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Midfielder, 182cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 2 inside-50s, 2 score involvements, 33 ranking points (4 games)

A nasty corked thigh during Vic Country’s first match of the national championships sidelined Simpson for the rest of the tournament. But clubs haven’t forgotten about his talents. The midfielder is a true professional and possess pace, composure, great finishing skills and a neat step through traffic. He works had both ways of the ball and has shown an ability to step up in the big moments as Dandenong’s captain. An AFL Academy member, Simpson played in exhibition matches against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side and Carlton’s VFL team earlier this year and has had a further taste of VFL football with Casey.

29. William Green
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Ruckman, 204cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 12 disposals, 2.3 marks, 3 clearances, 24.3 hitouts (8 to advantage), 3 tackles, 4.3 score involvements, 100 ranking points (3 games)

A developing ruckman, Green was a former junior cricket star who only joined the AFL talent pathways with the Knights in 2021 and has rapidly improved since. A co-captain of the Knights this year, recruiters rate Green’s tap-work highly and believe he “could be anything” given his size and the sound fundamentals in his game. He is aerobically strong and is able to cover the ground well, while also being a good mark and a solid kick for a player of his size. Green was impressive for Vic Metro during the under-18 national championships, but his best game of the year came for the Knights in round 9 of the Coates Talent League when he racked up 22 disposals, 18 hitouts, six clearances and kicked two goals.

30. Ashton Moir
Glenelg/South Australia
Forward, 188cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 9.8 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.3 score involvements, 1.5 score assists, 0.8 goals, 66 ranking points (4 games)

It hasn’t been Moir’s year at all, but a player who came into the season pegged as a top-three pick is unlikely to slide much further than this. Whether the pressure has got to Moir or there have been other factors at play is unclear. What we do know is he hasn’t reached his lofty heights of last season on a consistent basis, after booting 30 goals from 10 under-18 games for Glenelg as a bottom-age player. However, there is no doubting the talent that is there. Moir is a unique X-Factor player who can comfortably kick with either foot and is able to impact both in the air and at ground level. A club could snag a genuine bargain if Moir slips this far.

.... Continues next post ...

[one-eyed]

31. Phoenix Gothard
Murray Bushrangers/Allies
Forward, 179cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 10.3 disposals, 2.5 marks, 5 score involvements, 2.5 tackles, 1 goal, 67 ranking points (four games)

In the eyes of some scouts, Gothard is quickly moving up in calculations for this year’s draft. Hailing from Albury, the small forward produced an eye-catching under-18 national championships campaign for the Allies and ticks a lot of boxes. He can hurt opposition sides when he works into space with his lightning quick speed and impressive agility, but he can also take a nice mark in the air, is dangerous at ground level and competes well one-on-one. Gothard’s best game for the Allies was his last, when he had 11 disposals, three marks and kicked two goals. He has also had some big games for the Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League, including in round 11 when he racked up 20 disposals, three marks, 11 score involvements, 4 tackles and kicked 2.4.

32. Koen Sanchez
East Fremantle/Western Australia
Midfielder-Forward, 176cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 17.8 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.5 clearances, 2 inside-50s, 3.5 tackles, 6 score involvements, 1.5 goals, 102 ranking points (4 games)

A speedy half-forward or wingman, Sanchez has climbed up club draft boards on the back of an eye-catching national championships campaign for Western Australia. He had been playing significant midfield time in the WAFL Colts, but featured primarily across half-forward during the national championships and was able to show his forward craft, clean hands and ability to hit the scoreboard. Sanchez’ goalkicking accuracy of 35.3 per cent was the only thing that let him down during the tournament, but recruiters loved his speed, energy and lateral movement and believe he is ready to go at the next level as a high half-forward. Sanchez has played some super footy for East Fremantle’s Colts across the year and has also featured for the club’s reserves in the second half of the season.

33. Caiden Cleary
Sydney Swans Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 182cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 29.3 disposals (11.3 contested), 4.8 marks, 4.3 clearances, 6.8 tackles, 7.3 score involvements, 1 score assist, 129 ranking points (four games)

While he might not have the level of polish of some of the other midfielder’s in this year’s draft class, Cleary does know how to find the footy and plays with a lot of heart. He is a quality transition runner who has the ability to get involved in attack but also has a great wiliness to tackle and defend. His attack on the ball or any opponent who has got it is ferocious and Cleary is able to impact both inside and outside the contest with his run. He impressed during the under-18 national championships with the Allies and was named in the midfield in the All-Australian team. Cleary has since gone on to play some good VFL football for Sydney, including in round 20 when he recorded 22 disposals (12 contested), six clearances and seven score involvements against GWS.

34. Will Patton
West Adelaide/South Australia
Defender, 193cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 17 disposals, 4.8 marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 5.5 rebound 50s, 1.5 tackles, 4 spoils, 91 ranking points (4 games)

Shoulder surgery following the under-18 national championships prematurely ended Patton’s year, but he had shown enough before the injury to suggest he would be in the frame to be a second-round pick. A composed left-footed defender, Patton captained South Australia’s team at the championships and has drawn some comparisons to Hawthorn rising star Will Day. He has demonstrated the ability to play on both medium and taller opposition forwards and not only reads the play well but also makes good decisions and uses the footy exceptionally well by hand and foot when he does win it back. A state representative in cricket as a junior, Patton sharpened his focus on football in recent years.

35. George Stevens
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Midfielder, 189cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 19.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 3.8 clearances, 3 inside-50s, 6.3 tackles, 4.5 score involvement, 0.5 goals, 115 ranking points (4 games)

If this strong-bodied midfielder was a touch quicker, a lot more people would be talking about him. A lack of speed has been a major question mark from recruiters. However, Stevens is hard to ignore as a potential second-round prospect given what he does bring to the table. He’s been a consistent ball-winner at every level this season, since returning from an ACL injury which wiped out his 2022 campaign. Stevens is a contested ball beast, wins plenty of ground balls, is a penetrating kick, has clean hands and makes good decisions. He also displays great leadership qualities. Stevens was named on the bench in the under-18 All-Australian team following the national championships and has gone on to play some strong VFL football with Geelong. He racked up 29 disposals, five marks and four clearances in a round 21 match for the Cats.

36. Luamon Lual
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Defender, 181cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 11 disposals, 3.3 marks, 2.5 rebound 50s, 4.5 intercept possessions, 2.5 tackles, 60 ranking points (4 games)

An athletic defender who has attracted increasing attention across the year, Lual is an excellent player in one-on-one contests and has also developed the offensive side of his game this year. He uses his body well in contests, has great timing, good closing speed and keeps his feet. When he wins the ball back he can then break lines with his speed and agility coming out of the backline. A member of the Rebels’ leadership group, Lual played a little higher up the ground in Vic Country’s final match of the under-18 national championships against Vic Metro and kicked a nice goal on the run from just inside the 50m line. Lual is tied to the Western Bulldogs as a Next Generation Academy member, but the Bulldogs would only be able to match a bid on him after pick 40.

37. Clay Hall
Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Midfielder, 188cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 27.3 disposals, 43.5 marks, 4.5 inside-50s, 6 clearances, 5.3 tackles, 3.5 score involvements, 111 ranking points (4 games)

A staple in Western Australia’s midfield across the under-18 national championships, Hall only bolstered his draft rankings with a strong tournament. A WAFL Colts premiership winner with Peel Thunder as a bottom-age player last year, he stepped up to senior WAFL football earlier this season and did not look out of place. Hall’s work ethic on and off the field stands out, he has a good balance with his ability to win the ball on the inside and outside of the contest and he uses his strength to win plenty of ground balls. He is the son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek Hall, but is not eligible under father-son rules given his father played only two games for the Eagles and 74 matches for the Cats.

38. Jack Delean
South Adelaide/SA
Forward, 182cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 6 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 3.8 score involvements, 2.3 goals, 62 ranking points (4 games)

A dangerous goalkicking forward with “plenty of tricks”, Delean could be snapped up earlier than this after a strong second half of the year. His consistency was a problem earlier the season and during the under-18 national championships, when he kicked four goals in two different matches for South Australia but struggled to get near the ball in the other two matches. However, Delean has regularly had an impact for South Adelaide’s under-18s since the championships and has also kicked four goals across two senior matches in the SANFL. Across 11 under-18 games in the SANFL this season he has kicked 34 goals.

39. Will Graham
Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies
Midfielder, 186cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 16.5 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside-50s, 2.3 tackles, 4.5 score involvements, 82 ranking points (4 games)

A fourth Gold Coast Suns Academy prospect who is set to come into calculations in the second or third round of the draft, Graham is an inside midfielder from Palm Beach Currumbin. However, he was instead used across halfback for the Allies during the under-18 national championships, after some solid early-season form for the Suns in the Coates Talent league. Graham is a good contest and clearance player who uses the footy well by hand and foot. Since the championships he has played some VFL football for the Suns, including logging 14 disposals, four marks and five score involvements against Sydney in round 21.

40. Zane Zakostelsky
Claremont/WA
Defender, 196cm

U18 National Championships Averages: 7.5 disposals, 3.5 marks, 2.5 intercept marks, 4.5 intercept possessions, 2 rebound 50s, 1.5 spoils, 2 tackles, 64 ranking points (2 games)

An athletic key defender from the west, Zakostelbky has left an impression on clubs with some of his work down back this year and has emerged as a strong prospect. He played two games for WA at the under-18 national championships and looked particularly good in the second of those against Vic Metro. Zakostelbky was strong in the contest and took four intercept marks that day, while he has also shown good form for Claremont in the WAFL Colts. Clubs see plenty of potential upside in Zakostelbky given he has only played football for the past two years after focusing on basketball as a junior. He actually started the season in the ruck for Claremont, before moving into defence.

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2023-top-40-prospects-ranked-and-profiled-as-bolters-and-sliders-emerge/news-story/8f22a442929810faad00ae24130b6a1f

[one-eyed]

‘This kid’s got something’: Mutaz El Nour’s extraordinary journey from Sudan to the AFL draft

Former AFL player Brodie Holland will never forget the first time he saw Mutaz El Nour. PAUL AMY tells the amazing story of his journey from Sudan to VFL stardom and an AFL draft combine invite.

Paul Amy
HeraldSun
August 24, 2023

It was a miserable day, wet and windy.

“Like a blizzard,’’ Brodie Holland remembers.

Former AFL Docker and Magpie Holland was coaching Caroline Springs in 2019 and, ahead of a match against Western Region power Deer Park, injuries had set in at his club.

“We had no key-position players to pick so we thought, ‘What have we got in the Under 18s?’’’ Holland says.

“We had a tall young bloke who I didn’t know much about. We thought we’d have a look at him. So we put him in this day against Deer Park. He didn’t do much. But he took two brilliant contested marks. And I thought, ‘Geez, this kid’s got something’.’’

The kid was Mutaz El Nour.

He played five more senior games for Caroline Springs that season, and at the end of it Holland decided to point the Sudan-born youngster towards higher football.

Four years on, El Nour, 22, is a key part of Richmond’s VFL team and gaining interest from AFL clubs.

Last week the Tigers nominated him for the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal as the league’s most promising player.

And on Tuesday he learned he had been invited to the AFL’s state combine at Margaret Court Arena on October 8.

The 193cm defender was chuffed with both pieces of recognition and so was his family.

El Nour’s parents came to Australia via Egypt in 2005, settling in Braybrook, in Melbourne’s west.

He has three older brothers and three younger sisters; he is the young man in the middle.

“They’re very happy,’’ El Nour says of his parents. “There are much better circumstances here in Australia than over in Sudan. Their main reason for getting us out of Sudan was to give us kids an education and more opportunities in life. We’re grateful for it.’’

He says they are “very proud’’ of his progress in football and have given him great encouragement.

Often they cannot get to games because of their weekend work.

They follow the live streams, clueless about the rules, but switched on to their son’s every possession.

“You often see with Sudanese parents, they’re always wanting their children to become doctors or lawyers or something like that,’’ El Nour says.

“But my parents have been so supportive in me going in a different path with sport. As long as I’m happy, they’re happy.’’

El Nour was named after one of his father’s favourite soccer players in Sudan, Mutaz Kabair.

He played a bit of soccer but followed his brother Amar into football at Albion juniors, keen to make new friends as much as pick up a new sport.

His under-age years also took in stops at Deer Park, St Alban’s and, from Under 16s, Caroline Springs; he changed clubs either to be with mates from school or because he could get a lift to and from training and games.

In 2019, the Western Bulldogs included him in their Next Generation Academy, ahead of those first few senior matches at Caroline Springs that made such a good impression on Holland.

Holland put in a word for El Nour with Collingwood VFL officials.

After having one scratch match for the Pies, he was overlooked for the list for the 2020 season (because of Covid, it never heard a starting siren anyway).

Later, Holland made contact with Grant King at the Northern Bullants, where El Nour was quickly contracted for 2021.

The season was eventually called off. But by then the right-footer, combining football with work as a bricklayer, had come to notice with his cool intercept marking and clever kicking from half back.

He could read the ball, wherever it was to fall.

The Ants awarded him their Kane Lambert medal as the club’s “rising star’’.

He was also placed on the Western Jets’ NAB League list as an over-age player.

Last year El Nour was touted as one of the VFL’s best hopes for the mid-season, national and rookie drafts.

Josh Fraser, under whom he made his start at the Bullants, gave him some lift-off.

“From day one, he impressed everyone. Apart from his talent, his commitment – I don’t think he missed a training session – and he was working full-time and travelling across from the western suburbs to Bundoora or Bulleen,’’ Fraser, now coaching Collingwood’s VFL team, said.

“His athletic attributes, his ability to jump and read the play and intercept the ball really shone early and he impressed everyone with his work ethic and want to get better.”

He added: “Taz’ is the sort of guy who would thrive in a full-time environment. He’s got all the characteristics you’d want, and once he gets that opportunity he’ll take his game to a new level again.’’

Disappointed to miss out on the drafts, El Nour headed to Richmond.

It was nothing against the Bullants, he stresses.

“Just for the football development side of things,’’ he says. “With the facilities and the AFL coaches involved in the VFL program, I thought it could help take my game to another level, improve that little bit.’’

The Tigers think he has done just that.

Club general manager Oliver Grant notes that whereas El Nour caught attention with his attacking, intercepting ways at the Ants, he’s adapted to a more specific role at Punt Rd.

Grant lists El Nour’s reach, closing speed, versatility and competitiveness as his strengths.

“If his football with us has shown me one thing, it’s that he can actually play on a key forward and compete with him one-on-one,’’ Grant says. “I didn’t know if he had that in him. I can say now he does.’’

El Nour responds: “I think at the Bullants I mainly focused on the offensive side. This year I’ve taken on that full-back role and taken the key forward every week. Defensively, I’ve improved a lot.’’

His fitness has also picked up, he says.

It showed when he suffered a knee injury and missed three mid-season games.

When he returned, it was as if he’d never been out.

*****

Mutaz El Nour not only plays for Richmond, he works for the club, with the Bachar Houli Foundation.

He started as a casual last year and is now full-time, co-ordinating its various football and leadership programs at the club and in schools.

“It’s unreal,’’ he says. “I love it. It doesn’t feel like a job.’’

He had participated in the academy and says it helped develop as a person as much as a player. Now he sees himself as a role model in the Muslim community.

“Football aside, he’s just been the greatest addition to our program in terms of culture and leadership,’’ Grant says of El Nour.

“He’s probably exceeded our expectations from that point of view.’’

Holland has stayed in touch with “Taz’’ since his move to the VFL and is pleased to see him kicking on.

“He’s a beauty,’’ he says. “He’s a good size, he’s mobile enough, he’s quick enough, he’s got really good footy IQ, he’s a good kick, a good decision-maker.

“There’s a fair bit to like about him.’’

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/state-leagues/this-kids-got-something-mutaz-el-nours-extraordinary-journey-from-sudan-to-the-afl-draft/news-story/f4caf546786c0ebe5b16dbb659d77b18

[one-eyed]

Season over and we've finished 13th.

So, our picks are 25, 44, 62, 80, ...

[The Machine]

Given we have Brown and Trezies along with Broad and Grimes next year, thoughts on trading Vlastuin the old champ? We would get back into the first round of the draft.

[WilliamPowell]

Given we have Brown and Trezies along with Broad and Grimes next year, thoughts on trading Vlastuin the old champ? We would get back into the first round of the draft.

I know he won't but Dylan should retire

And no I wouldn’t trade Vlastuin

[Simonator]

Given we have Brown and Trezies along with Broad and Grimes next year, thoughts on trading Vlastuin the old champ? We would get back into the first round of the draft.

I've had the same thoughts but I'd prefer to trade many players before vlastuin imo including bolton, broad, graham, kmac, soldo

[Damo]

Given we have Brown and Trezies along with Broad and Grimes next year, thoughts on trading Vlastuin the old champ? We would get back into the first round of the draft.

The “old champ” isn’t worth a first rounder
The word “old” is the reason itself

You guys need to be realistic about player value

Keeping that in mind , no, I wouldn’t trade him .. but if absurdly a first rounder was available, then yes, absolutely I would

Side note, agree with Simonstor, I’d be shopping others before Vlas

Soldo, Kmac, Graham etc

You’ve been into Vlas all year , yet Graham has never been mentioned.. wonder why lol

[one-eyed]

AFL Draft 2023: Who your could club could consider with their first pick

Chris Cavanagh, Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto
HeraldSun
30 August 2023

RICHMOND

Current Indicative Draft Order: 25, 44, 62, 80, 98

The Tigers’ first selection is most likely to be pushed to at least pick 29 after some early Academy and father-son bids are matches. It is unclear who will still be on the board at that stage, but a key forward would surely be on the shopping list after the retirement of Jack Riewoldt. Players like Victorian trio Archer Reid, Logan Morris and Luke Lloyd would all fit that bill if they made it through to Richmond’s pick. However, the Tigers would look to another position if a player they rated higher slipped through after being a potential first-round or early second-round selection.

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2023-who-your-could-club-could-consider-with-their-first-pick/news-story/a822d2c8b2765f678794f013999f2591