Author Topic: 2024 AFL draft  (Read 56726 times)

Offline wayne

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #765 on: November 06, 2024, 08:20:11 PM »

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

Interesting, this guy has Smile sliding out to still be available at pick 13 (our original pick 10)
With Essendon making a play offering their two first round picks next year for pick 13.
He also has us doing the deal with north of pick 6 and 11 for pick 2 and their future first. This will leave us with 6 picks inside the top 25 this year and 4 first round picks next year.
If we already have Laylor and FOS under our belts I’d nearly take that and run!

Would you trade our F1 for the Crows pick 4? Could possibly be pick one, but we'd have 3 more 1sts next year though.
And you may not think I care for you
When you know down inside that I really do

Offline one-eyed

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #766 on: November 07, 2024, 01:52:14 AM »
2024 AFL Phantom Draft: Every pick in the first two rounds

Jasper Chellappah
ESPN
Nov 6, 2024


Sam Lalor is two weeks out from being anointed the AFL's newest No. 1 pick. The powerful midfielder has become the runaway favourite for Richmond's prized selection, but the rest of the draft picture remains less clear in one of the most even draft classes in recent memory.

Richmond holds a staggering eight selections inside the top 24, the Demons and Saints are well placed with two picks inside the top 10, and GWS' free agency departures have given them a strong draft hand starting at pick 15.

This phantom draft accounts for bid matches including that of Levi Ashcroft, Leo Lombard, Isaac Kako and Sam Marshall in the first round, meaning second round selections begin to disappear as the draft goes on. Expect a host of trades on both nights as clubs manoeuvre their hands to match bids and sliders generate interest from clubs on the outside looking in.

Trades could occur as early as North Melbourne at pick 2, which remains on the table for multiple selections inside the top 20 including one inside the top 10.

With just two weeks until the 2024 AFL Draft, this is ESPN's two round phantom draft.

Round 1

1. Richmond -- Sam Lalor

GWV Rebels/Vic Country

MID/FWD, 188cm

The hype around Lalor has steadily risen to the point where rival clubs will be shocked if the Tigers don't make him the No. 1 pick. A genuine match-winner with power and strength, Lalor will start his career in the forward 50 before graduating on-ball for Richmond, where his defensive tenacity adds to the enticing package. Finn O'Sullivan and Jagga Smith are now distant runners in the race for pick 1.


2. North Melbourne -- Alix Tauru
3. BID: Brisbane -- Levi Ashcroft
4. Carlton -- Finn O'Sullivan
5. Adelaide -- Sid Draper
6. Melbourne -- Harvey Langford

7. Richmond -- Josh Smillie

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro

MID, 195cm

A tough decision looms for the Tigers if both Jagga Smith and Josh Smillie are available at this point. It would be a difficult choice to pass on Jagga who made the VFL look easy in the yellow and black. But clubs strongly link Smillie to the Tigers, where his immense size and physicality would be welcome through the midfield. Alix Tauru's availability would also make the Tigers think.


8. St Kilda -- Jagga Smith
9. BID: Gold Coast -- Leo Lombard
10. St Kilda -- Tobie Travaglia
11. Melbourne -- Murphy Reid


12. Richmond -- Harry Armstrong

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

FWD, 195cm

If the Tigers miss on Tauru, expect Armstrong to be one of the selections at this stage if the key forward is on the board. Blessed with a beautiful set shot routine and booming left leg, Armstrong already has quality AFL traits in his contested marking and athleticism.

13. Richmond -- Bo Allan

Peel Thunder/Western Australia

DEF/MID, 191cm

Richmond's hunt for quality leaders and the intangibles necessary to kickstart a rebuild could land them Allen, who is as likely as anyone in the pool to captain an AFL side. The WA bull can play inside midfield or off halfback where it's likely he'll start his career. Allen's defensive tenacity and physicality should give him a chance to play early at senior level. The Tigers are keen on Travaglia who may be available at this stage, and Taj Hotton is a name repeatedly raised at this point of the draft.


14. West Coast -- Xavier Lindsay
15. BID: Essendon -- Isaac Kako
16. Port Adelaide -- Jack Whitlock
17. Fremantle -- Joe Berry
18. GWS -- Taj Hotton
19. GWS -- Jobe Shanahan
20. Western Bulldogs -- Oli Hannaford


21. Richmond -- Luke Trainor

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

DEF, 194cm

Trainor possesses the talent to become an elite intercept defender in the AFL. He's slid down draft boards after inconsistent form and injury in the second half of the season, but Richmond is well placed to snap him up at this point. Other key position talent to be considered includes Jack and Matt Whitlock, and the forgotten man Noah Mraz.


22. BID: Brisbane -- Sam Marshall
23. Sydney -- Matt Whitlock


24. Richmond -- Cooper Hynes

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

FWD/MID, 190cm

Hynes' power, explosiveness and damage out of the centre mirrors likely number one pick Sam Lalor. He's a bull at a red rag when the ball is up for grabs and loves the physical side of the contest. This is one of a number of picks that could be moved by Richmond on the night, but the quality of Hynes would be a welcome addition to Punt Road.


25. GWS -- Hamish Davis
26. Sydney -- Jesse Dattoli


27. Richmond -- Alex Dodson

Sturt/South Australia

RUC, 203cm

Dodson has suitors in the first round, and the Tigers are yet to form succession for skipper Toby Nankervis. Dodson would be an astute choice with his clean hands and boundless athleticism. He will take some time to develop, but expect the former basketballer to become a quality ruckman in due course.

Round 2


28. Richmond -- James Barrat

Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

DEF/FWD, 194cm

Expect clubs to come hard for this selection, with Richmond able to listen to all offers before the first pick on night two. If they stay put, the physicality and maturity of Barrat looms large. He showed significant ability forward of the ball, but it's down back where Barrat's best footy came, operating as a slightly undersized key defender with brilliant ball use.


29. Western Bulldogs -- Tom Gross
30. West Coast -- Jack Ough
31. Port Adelaide -- Harrison Oliver
32. Fremantle -- Jonty Faull
33. St Kilda -- Jasper Alger
34. Hawthorn -- Tom Sims
35. Western Bulldogs -- Christian Moraes
36. Port Adelaide -- Noah Mraz
37. GWS -- Angus Clarke
38. Carlton -- Harry O'Farrell

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/42006895/afl-two-round-phantom-draft-2024-every-club-pick-sam-lalor-levi-ashcroft-jagga-smith-sid-draper-alix-tauru

Online Andyy

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #767 on: November 07, 2024, 06:04:38 AM »
I'd love it if the draft went that way and we got most of those guys but I'd be surpised

Offline OneEyedRichmond

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #768 on: November 07, 2024, 04:08:38 PM »

Offline Diocletian

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #769 on: November 07, 2024, 04:22:59 PM »
I'd love it if the draft went that way and we got most of those guys but I'd be surpised

Then you'd surely be on your own.....worst midfield on the comp and we take 4 talls - including one who's already on track to be another Paddy McCartin at the end of the ground that's least urgent to fix and bar maybe Armstrong all over far better talls still on the board- in a draft rich with gun mids....absolutely laughable selections... :propeller
"Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good...."

- Thomas Sowell


FJ is the only one that makes sense.

Offline yandb

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #770 on: November 08, 2024, 11:39:25 AM »
I get RCD vibes from Josh Smillie poor overhead, average production for a midfielder but a good athlete, says he is a good bloke but I would have liked him to say that he is a good competitor and loves the contest.

Online Andyy

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #771 on: November 08, 2024, 01:11:18 PM »
I'd love it if the draft went that way and we got most of those guys but I'd be surpised

Then you'd surely be on your own.....worst midfield on the comp and we take 4 talls - including one who's already on track to be another Paddy McCartin at the end of the ground that's least urgent to fix and bar maybe Armstrong all over far better talls still on the board- in a draft rich with gun mids....absolutely laughable selections... :propeller

There's 4 mids in that list.

We need talls too.

Online georgies31

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #772 on: November 08, 2024, 02:42:32 PM »
Langford for me at 6 class this kid.

Offline Diocletian

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #773 on: November 08, 2024, 02:58:03 PM »
I'd love it if the draft went that way and we got most of those guys but I'd be surpised

Then you'd surely be on your own.....worst midfield on the comp and we take 4 talls - including one who's already on track to be another Paddy McCartin at the end of the ground that's least urgent to fix and bar maybe Armstrong all over far better talls still on the board- in a draft rich with gun mids....absolutely laughable selections... :propeller

There's 4 mids in that list.

We need talls too.

There's one pure mid on that list and we don't need 4 talls in weak draft for talls. The good ones are next year. :shh

Langford for me at 6 class this kid.

Too slow, we need more speed, not another tractor. :shh :shh
"Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good...."

- Thomas Sowell


FJ is the only one that makes sense.

Offline yandb

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #774 on: November 08, 2024, 11:29:05 PM »
Has similar traits to Hodge, speed is not everything just look at Rohan from Geelong.

Offline Hard Roar Tiger

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #775 on: November 09, 2024, 08:44:01 AM »
I get RCD vibes from Josh Smillie poor overhead, average production for a midfielder but a good athlete, says he is a good bloke but I would have liked him to say that he is a good competitor and loves the contest.

He’s nearly 3 inches taller than RCD, wins the ball but lacks a yard which is more similar to Cripps at draft age. Acceleration can be taught - ask Crippa and Chad Warner who learnt from the same guy
“I find it nearly impossible to make those judgments, but he is certainly up there with the really important ones, he is certainly up there with the Francis Bourkes and the Royce Harts and the Kevin Bartlett and the Kevin Sheedys, there is no doubt about that,” Balme said.

Online Andyy

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #776 on: November 09, 2024, 09:48:52 AM »
I don't get RCD vibes from Smillie.

Smillie has been talked about anywhere from P1-5 most of the year for good reason.

RCD was taken at P20 in a shallower draft.

Offline one-eyed

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #777 on: November 10, 2024, 02:34:20 PM »
Will Day clone on THAT U18 moment, getting the better of Harley

A call from Geelong great Joel Selwood put Tobie Travaglia at ease after a heartbreaking end to the U18 National Championships.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1253828/will-day-clone-tobie-travaglia-on-that-u18-moment-getting-the-better-of-harley-reid

---------

Tobie Travaglia missed the  2024 AFL Academy squad.

It sparked soul searching which resulted in a season to remember for the young gun, and has propelled Travaglia into first-round draft calculations.



https://x.com/codesportsau/status/1855422632604446927

Offline one-eyed

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #778 on: November 10, 2024, 02:49:24 PM »
Kevin Sheehan’s 2024 Telstra AFL Draft top prospects: Midfielders

Bo Allan
State: Western Australia
State League: Peel Thunder
Community Club: Halls Head
Date of Birth: 16/02/2006
Height: 191cm

A left-foot midfielder and defender with a real competitive edge. Has shown he can play very tight and provide run from defence, as well as having the capability of playing inside or outside in the midfield. He used his contested ball-winning ability and speed to provide consistent drive for Western Australia at the Marsh AFL National Championships, averaging 20 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.7 clearances and six tackles. Was among his team’s better players against both Victoria Metro and Country and was rewarded with All Australian selection. He handled the step up to senior State League level impressively for Peel Thunder, capping off an excellent year as a WAFL premiership player. He played 11 senior matches, averaging 12 disposals and six tackles. Was very impressive at testing at the national Draft Combine, finishing second on the running vertical jump (92cm) and fourth for the agility test (7.94 seconds), while his speed (2.99 seconds on the 20m sprint) was also in the top bracket.

Cody Anderson
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Healesville
Date of Birth: 30/01/2006
Height: 183cm

Medium-sized midfielder who is a real competitive beast with his contested ball-winning ability, particularly around stoppages. Has been a prolific ball winner for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League over the past two years. He averaged 23 disposals (12 contested), six clearances and six tackles in 11 matches this season. Earned his way into the Victoria Metro team for the match against South Australia but unfortunately suffered an ankle injury early in the match which ruled him out of the remainder of the National Championships. Returned for the final couple of matches for the Ranges, with his good form continuing to finish joint runner up in their best and fairest award. Is a member of Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy and showed a sharp turn of foot at the Draft Combine, producing a time of 3.02 seconds in the 20m sprint.

Cody Angove
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Scarborough
Date of Birth: 28/05/2006
Height: 182cm

A midfielder and high half forward with an exciting athletic profile. Has a combination of speed and endurance, which together with his footy smarts allows him to win the ball and impact games. Had an interrupted start to the year due to a leg injury but returned to play all four games for Western Australia at the National Championships, averaging 12 disposals and being amongst his team’s best in the narrow loss to Victoria Country. A neat distributor by hand and foot, he averaged 18.3 disposals and kicked 11 goals in 10 games at Colts level for Claremont. He was among the Tigers’ best in their Grand Final win which saw him become a back-to-back premiership player. Performed well on the agility test (8.21 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28) at the national Draft Combine.

Sid Draper
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Willunga
Date of Birth: 05/07/2006
Height: 182cm

A powerful midfielder with line-breaking speed and elite agility which enable him to step out of congestion to open the game from stoppages. Showed resilience to overcome an injury-interrupted start to this season after battling stress fractures in his shins. Returned just before the National Championships and was able to perform well, averaging 21 disposals (eight contested) at 76.2 per cent efficiency, along with 3.8 clearances to become a back-to-back All Australian at under-18 level. Continued his good form at senior level, playing the final six matches of the year and averaging 22.2 disposals (12 contested), five clearances and six tackles to show his top end talent. Was the winner of the 2023 AFL Life Members Scholarship following the likes of recent winners Lachie Whitfield, Sam Walsh, Hayden Young and Harley Reid. Did not test at the Draft Combine while managing a back ailment.

Tom Gross
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Kew Rovers
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 181cm

A medium midfielder and forward with a sharp competitive edge and burst out of stoppage who can play on the outside as well as the inside. Impressed for the Australian U18 team against Coburg early in the year, recording 21 touches in a forward and midfield role which gave him a sound preparation for the National Championships. Was outstanding on the wing for Victoria Metro against South Australia and was one of the most consistent players throughout the Championships for the title winners, averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 tackles and three clearances to earn All Australian honours. Continued to show his potential in eight games for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 22.3 disposals (eight contested) as he shared his playing commitments between club and school football for Trinity Grammar.

Phoenix Hargrave
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Reynella
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 181cm

A midfielder/forward who is extremely strong in the contest and wins plenty of contested ball. He won the MVP award in the SANFL U18 competition last year as a 16-year-old and played an important role in South Adelaide’s premiership campaign. Was a consistent ball winner for South Australia at this year’s National Championships, averaging 19 disposals across the four matches which included being his team’s best player against eventual title winners Victoria Metro. Made a strong start to his senior career, playing six matches at the back end of the year where he averaged 15 disposals. Showcased his strong work rate and endurance with a solid time of 6:39 in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine.

Will Hayes
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Subiaco
Date of Birth: 16/05/2006
Height: 180cm

A wingman or small forward who has pace and a neat step through traffic. Although lightly-framed, he is a beautifully balanced player with a touch of class and distributes the ball neatly and with penetration on both feet. He played all four matches for Western Australia at the National Championships, averaging 13 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and was among his team’s best against both South Australia and Victoria Metro. Finished the season in style by becoming a dual premiership player with Claremont at Colts level. Tested extremely well at the Draft Combine, ranking third on the agility test (7.85 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:16) and producing a sound 3.00 seconds on the 20m sprint.

Cooper Hynes
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Bonbeach
Date of Birth: 28/02/2006
Height: 190cm

Medium midfielder/forward who is a powerful contested ball winner around stoppages and dangerous when he goes forward with his innate goal sense and strong overhead mark. He had an exceptional year with the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates Talent League, averaging 24 disposals (11 contested), 4.7 clearances and kicking 23 goals in 15 matches. Finished runner-up in the Morrish Medal and also for the Stingrays’ best and fairest award, as well as being selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Carried that form into the National Championships for Victoria Country, averaging 17 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency and averaging a goal a game against the best young players nationally. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to mid foot sprain.

Sam Lalor
Pronunciation: Law-lah
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Bacchus Marsh
Date of Birth: 30/08/2006
Height: 188cm

A powerful midfielder/forward who explodes out of stoppages and is dangerous when forward with his elite aerial ability. Was an All Australian at under-16 level in 2022 and followed up with an extremely promising bottom-aged year at under-18 level before having to overcome a number of injury challenges this year. Missed the early part of the year with a back issue and then the latter part of the year with hamstring injuries but still demonstrated his enormous potential in four Coates Talent League matches with the GWV Rebels, averaging 23 disposals and 5.8 marks. His performance against the Murray Bushrangers in Round 12 when he picked up 34 disposals and eight marks gave a glimpse of his talent. Was able to play three matches for Victoria Country in the National Championships, featuring in the best players with three goals from 16 disposals against the Allies. Did not test at the Draft Combine as he continued his rehab from a hamstring injury.

Harvey Langford
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Mount Martha
Date of Birth: 15/03/2006
Height: 191cm

A left-footed tall midfielder who had an outstanding season at club and representative levels, displaying a remarkably high level of elite performance and resilience to propel him into early Draft conversations. Was the joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player of the National Championships, averaging 25.5 disposals (7.7 contested), 6.2 marks and 6.2 clearances for Victoria Country and was also rewarded with his team’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. He was also consistently excellent for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 26 disposals, five clearances and five tackles to win their best and fairest award and be named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. His 6:24 on the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine showcased his endurance and competitive edge.

Christian Moraes
Pronunciation: More-ay-es
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Knox
Date of Birth: 08/11/2006
Height: 183cm

A running machine who is prepared to work deep into defence as well as push forward to create options for his team. Also has clean hands and is composed with the ball. Had an impressive season for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23.8 disposals and kicking 18 goals in 12 matches to finish joint runner up in their best and fairest award and earn Coates Talent League Team of the Year selection. Continued his high-level output by averaging 21 disposals for Victoria Metro in a star-studded midfield group, with his best performance coming against South Australia where he amassed 22 disposals and kicked two goals. His time of 6:25 on the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine ranked equal-ninth.

Finn O’Sullivan
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Koroit
Date of Birth: 30/05/2006
Height: 182cm

A classy midfielder who was one of the dominant players of his age level over the past two years. His elite use of the ball, speed and lateral movement through the midfield are outstanding weapons. Claimed the best and fairest award at the 2022 AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys and followed it up with selection in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian side as a bottom-age player. Suffered a thumb injury in his first game of the 2024 Coates Talent League season which began a frustrating run of injuries that restricted his ability to consistently put games together. Was only able to play eight games at club and representative level this year, including two games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and one with Richmond’s VFL team. The last of his matches for the Oakleigh Chargers was his most productive, having 20 disposals and kicking two goals to be his team’s best player in its four-point preliminary final defeat to the GWV Rebels. Tested impressively at the Draft Combine, with his time of 8.14 seconds on the agility test ranked eighth, while he also produced eye-catching performances in the 20m sprint (2.99 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28).

Jack Ough
Pronunciation: Our
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Wentworth District
Date of Birth: 15/12/2006
Height: 194cm

Tall midfielder who really blossomed this year. Uses his strong frame and power to excel in the contest, with his clean hands and crisp decision-making also features of his game. Showed versatility to play predominantly on the outside as a wingman for Victoria Country then as an inside midfielder with the GWV Rebels. He starred for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League final series, averaging 25 disposals which included having 33 disposals and seven inside 50s against the Geelong the Falcons in the quarter final. Played all four games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and was among the best players in the 11-point win over Western Australia. Tested soundly at the Draft Combine with his 6:39 on the 2km time trial a strong indication of his endurance and work rate.

Murphy Reid
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: South Melbourne Districts
Date of Birth: 30/07/2006
Height: 181cm

A midfielder-forward who has speed to burn which allows him to burst away from congestion and use the ball with precision. Reads the game exceptionally well, is a prolific ball winner and creative and innovative when in congestion. Was outstanding at the National Championships, averaging 24.5 disposals (9.2 contested), 3.2 clearances and 3.2 tackles across the four matches which included dominant displays against South Australia and the Allies. Was rewarded by winning Victoria Metro’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. Was also a star at club level, averaging 21 disposals and kicking 14 goals in 10 matches for the Sandringham Dragons. Capped the year with his second Coates Talent League premiership and selection in the Team of the Year. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to knee injury.

Josh Smillie
Pronunciation: Smiley
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Park Orchards
Date of Birth: 17/05/2006
Height: 195cm

An athletic and versatile player who is capable of playing in the midfield, down back or as a hit-up marking forward. A one-touch player who reads the game exceptionally well wherever he plays, he averaged 26 disposals and kicked 16 goals in 12 matches with the Eastern Ranges this year which included logging 34 disposals and kicking three goals against the Brisbane Lions Academy. Won the Ranges’ best and fairest and earned selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy, he was given the honour of captaining the Australian U18 team in its matches against Coburg and Footscray and was among the better players in both games, averaging 23.5 disposals in a midfield and defensive role. Played a variety of roles for Victoria Metro in their National Championships title-winning team, averaging 18.8 disposals and 5.8 clearances. His 6:38 for the 2km time trial and 8.39 seconds on the agility test at the Draft Combine were both good results for a player of his type.
 
Jagga Smith
Pronunciation: Jagger
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Richmond
Date of Birth: 28/01/2006
Height: 182 cm

A lively and creative midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner on the inside with elite distribution by hand and foot. He showed the rare ability to step through congested situations and maintain his composure at all levels this year, including at VFL level for Richmond. He averaged 29.2 disposals (13.8 contested) at 82 per cent efficiency and 6.8 clearances for Victoria Metro at the National Championships to finish third in the Larke Medal voting. Was also rewarded with the honour of being named captain of the All Australian team. Played a total of 21 games for the year, which comprised two appearances for the Australia U18 team, three for Richmond’s VFL side, 12 for the Oakleigh Chargers as well as four for Victoria Metro. He picked up 650 disposals at an average of 31 per game, which highlighted his amazingly consistent elite performance. Was a runaway winner of the Chargers best and fairest and tested soundly at the Draft Combine, recording 3.04 seconds on the 20m sprint, 8.5 seconds on the agility test and 6:27 on the 2km time trial.

Luke Urquhart
Pronunciation: Irk-heart
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Fremantle
Community Club: Melville
Date of Birth: 19/09/2006
Height: 184cm

A powerful midfielder who is a stoppage star with his ability to extract the ball from congestion and can also be effective when thrown forward. He has come on in leaps and bounds since missing a significant chunk of his bottom-age campaign in 2023 due to hip surgery. Was impressive in three games at WAFL Colts level for East Fremantle, averaging 23.3 disposals, five clearances, 9.5 tackles and two goals. At representative level he was among Western Australia’s better players against the Allies and Victoria Metro and averaged 21 disposals (11 contested) and 5.5 clearances. Excelled at the Draft Combine with his speed (2.98 seconds on the 20m sprint) and endurance (6:25 on the 2km time trial) great assets for a midfielder.

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1690426/kevin-sheehans-2024-telstra-afl-draft-top-prospects-midfielders

Offline one-eyed

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Re: 2024 AFL draft
« Reply #779 on: November 10, 2024, 02:56:42 PM »
The PROS and CONS Richmond can consider for bidding on Levi Ashcroft at Pick 1

Aidan Cellini
zerohanger.com
November 9, 2024


For the fourth time in five years, the club that holds the prized Pick 1 is faced with a decision on draft night: Do we bid on a top-rated father-son or Academy gun?

In 2020, Adelaide bid on Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, a strategic move to help wipe the Victorian club off the draft board.

The following year, North Melbourne avoided bidding on the likes of Sam Darcy (Pick 2) and Nick Daicos (Pick 4), taking Jason Horne-Francis at Pick 1.

The Kangaroos wouldn't replicate their decision in 2022, forcing Brisbane to pay for Will Ashcroft at Pick 2 before landing Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw.

And now it's Richmond's turn, as the Tigers have the chance to bid on Ashcroft's younger brother, Levi, or choose another exciting prospect at Pick 1 that will call Punt Road home.

So the question is: Will they or won't they?

In the case of the Crows, it was reported that the South Australian club and the Bulldogs were after small forward James Rowe, who was tipped to be drafted later in the piece.

Adelaide's bid on Ugle-Hagan forced the Victorian club to pay maximum value, utilising all but one draft selection, which, after all was said and done, came at Pick 55 (Dominic Bedendo). Rowe was taken with Pick 38.

The Pies got away with one when Daicos was bid on by the Suns at Pick 4, allowing the club to use their residual draft capital to secure a trio of players later in the draft, one of which was Harvey Harrison (Pick 52).

Richmond's case differs from those that have gone before them.

The Tigers have a raft of selections that have been widely documented, rivalling the likes of expansion clubs Gold Coast and GWS when they entered the league over a decade ago.

And whether they bid on Levi Ashcroft may have more cons than pros, and we'll show you why.

Why clubs SHOULD bid on star prospects

Richmond's historic draft hand will dominate November 20 when they welcome a cohort of future stars.

Given Ashcroft's allegiance to the Lions, there is no discernible advantage from selecting him at Pick 1 other than forcing the 2024 premiers to pay maximum value.

As of 2025, the AFL has revamped its draft points system, forcing clubs to pay fairer prices for father-son, NGA and Northern Academy prospects.

But right now, Brisbane will cash in unless the Tigers call his name out first.

Pick 1 is worth 3,000 points, but the Lions will receive a 20 per cent discount given the father-son tag.

It is then a pretty steep drop off for the following selections, falling to 2,034 points at Pick 4, which Ashcroft won't go lower than.

The other reason is to transfer the weight of expectations of being the prized Pick 1 to a player heading to another club, all of which can play a role in an individual's psyche.

Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury sympathised on being called out first (not that he did in 2005), which comes with larger amounts of scrutiny and focus, saying that "he'd rather go Pick 2".

"It's like there's only him (pick one) in the draft and he's put on this pedestal, and then pick number two is almost like pick 70," Pendlebury said on the Jock and Journo podcast 12 months ago.

The weight of expectations has proved difficult for some to deal with, especially Melbourne pair Jack Watts (2008) and Tom Scully (2009) and GWS forwards Jonathon Patton (2011) and Tom Boyd (2013).

All four finished their careers at different clubs.

Why clubs should NOT bid on star prospects

As we see during trade negotiations, fostering positive relationships with rival clubs and their list managers can pay dividends.

Smooth discussion and discourse can assist in moving both players and picks around, which at times has caused the league to question its legitimacy.

The league issued warnings regarding "side deals", which stipulate clubs won't bid on linked players due to a trade that had previously gone through.

Example: The Lions and Tigers engaged in a pick swap which saw Richmond claim Pick 20 in exchange for a raft of later selections that boosted Brisbane's draft capital to match any bids on Ashcroft and Academy prospect Sam Marshall.

Albeit near impossible to prove the collusion between the two clubs, the AFL insisted on placing AFL player movement manager Ned Guy and an integrity department staffer in those meetings, where clubs were reminded about their obligations, according to Herald Sun's Jon Ralph.

A case can be made for Essendon and Melbourne during their exchange of Pick 9, with Bombers NGA star Isaac Kako likely to fall around that range.

Another consideration for taking a player that isn't connected to a rival is marketability. At Pick 1, all eyes are on the player's future and if he'll change the fortunes of a club.

In Richmond's case, having claimed the wooden spoon in 2024, they are looking for the face of their future that will carry the Punt Road side for the next decade back to the promised land.

Pushing the Tigers recruit to Pick 2 due to an Ashcroft bid could result in a disenchantment with the club.

And if all else fails, albeit unlikely to occur at Pick 1, is, the bluff isn't called.

Everyone knows Ashcroft is heading to Queensland to join his brother, but in an alternate universe where Richmond bid on him to extort more draft points from the Lions, it could backfire if Brisbane wanted another player.

Key phrase: "alternate universe".

Needless to say, Richmond has plenty of work ahead of November 20, but with a draft hand like theirs, it's hard to go wrong.

https://www.zerohanger.com/afl-draft-the-pros-and-cons-richmond-can-consider-for-bidding-on-levi-ashcroft-at-pick-1-156636/