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Bluey_21 2006 Mock Draft

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bluey_21:
Basically I tried to bring into account the needs of each club, and what game plan they are trying to implement. And as such there are some big fluctuations between my personal rating of each player and where they appear in my mock draft. And I tried to compare their playing style to current AFL players, but in some cases it was very hard so I skipped them.

1. Carlton - Bryce Gibbs
Style like: James Hird
My Ranking: 5

Very classy forward/midfielder who is a smooth mover and can cut opposition sides apart with his brilliant skills. Very much in the mould of a young James Hird with his balance, poise and class. Quick in his anticipation of the footy, finds space and is such as smooth mover that he looks like he is having a stroll in the pack. Gibbs also has that touch of arrogance needed to become a gun player. Must admit I reckon there is too much hype on the kid, but regardless is still super-talented. Doesn't have the pace to be a game breaker in the Deledio/Judd mould but will win more than his fair share of games with his damaging skills and class. I wouldn't call Gibbs slow per se, but he is not particularly quick either. Also a bit worried that at the U18 champs this year he looked to chip around a bit too much rather than routinely kicking long and direct. Cannot see Carlton passing up on Gibbs as their midfield needs a serious make over. Might look at Hansen but odds are they will snap up Gibbs.

2. Essendon - Lachlan Hansen
Style like: Chad Cornes
My Ranking: 1

Hansen is a versatile and athletic big man who is an excellent overhead mark. Excellent judgement of the flight of the ball and attacks it fearlessly. Played along the forward line, at CHB and even in the ruck for Gippsland and was super impressive. He also exhibited excellent kicking skills and that excellent athletic ability he has. Also, when playing as a key defender he knows when to run off an opponent and when to play tight, and because of this very few goals are kicked on him and he can really damage oppositions on the rebound. Was very impressive last year at the U18 champs. But had an injury-interrupted campaign this year after clashing with Scmidt in a marking contest, but still got All Australian at CHB. If Gibbs slips through the Dons will have no hesitation in snapping him up, but most likely he won't and Hansen will be in the red and black. But Essendon are always interesting participators so could be an intriguing pick.

3. North Melbourne - Scott Gumbleton
Style like: Quinten Lynch/Josh Kennedy
My Ranking: 2

Gumbleton is a gun CHF from Peel Thunder who is an incredibly strong contested mark and contests very well. Plays like Josh Kennedy but a stronger mark and a bit more athletic. And if he doesn't mark the ball he will bring it to ground and let his smaller team mates crumb off him. Very good set shock kicking technique and is a reliable converter in front of goal, known as a sharp shooter. Also has played in the ruck a bit and looked alright. IMHO Gumbleton has the least upside (but still has massive potential) of the KPPs tipped to go top 10, but definitely is the safest option. Ready year 1. Played impressively last year but was carrying an injury, and played very well this year earning himself an U18 All Australian guernsey. At the champs he looked to be a bit quiet one moment and then impose himself with a strong contested mark and important goal. Believe the Roos will gobble up Gumbleton quickly as he is exactly what they need as a key forward with presence.

4. Brisbane - Albert Proud
Style like: Michael Voss
My Ranking: 9

Proud is an Aboriginal player who is a well-rounded midfielder and who is not just a burst player. Proud is a hard and tough midfielder who knows when to go in for the hard ball and when to hang off the packs. He has quite good endurance and an excellent work-rate to complement. Quick over the ground but not lightning and is capable of playing as a linkman with his good decision making and long kicking. Very composed under pressure, very clean hands and has the flair that many Aboriginal players have. Has all the tools and is a complete player IMHO, despite the fact that he is a division 2 player. Already well-built and ready year 1. Liked him a lot last year at the U18 champs, but been more consistently good this year. Have stated that they prefer local boys due who haven't got a go-home factor, and Proud fits the criteria. Think Proud is perfect for the Lions as he can fill that tough-nut role of Voss. Maybe not the class of Leunberger, Thorp and etc but not too far off.

5. Port Adelaide - James Sellar
Style like: Jeff White
My Ranking: 7

Sellar is a mobile and very athletic ruckman/tall forward who plays like Josh Fraser, but is physically stronger and more mobile IMHO. Is a natural ruckman and it stands out when you see him ruck. But, may be caught between playing ruck and KPP because at his height he won't be a No. 1 ruckman IMO. Also when the ball hits the deck he doesn't get lost and is more than capable of winning the ball himself and feeding it out. Has an excellent work-rate and very dangerous when drifting forward. Excellent skills and has none of the awkwardness when kicking the ball that most ruckman have. Super competitive and is a natural leader and this shows when you see him play. Very disappointing championship but doubt it will affect his rating in the draft. SA boy and best available so odds are Port will draft Sellar, but equally see them go for Leunberger. Sellar could be this year's slider though.

bluey_21:
6. Hawthorn - Matthew Leuenberger
Style like: Peter Everitt
My Ranking: 3

On talent he would go top 5 easily but ruckman (unless they are very special eg Sellar and Josh Fraser) have a tendency to slip. Leunberger is a natural ruckman who has developed rapidly after focusing solely on his footy. Quite athletic and has a good leap and can either thump the ball forward or palm it down deftly to his team mates. Also holds his ground in boundary throw-in contests. Already a legitimate ruck size and will make his AFL debut a lot quicker than most ruckman do. A bit ahead of Sellar in terms of ruckwork, and without a doubt the best tap ruckman IMO, but I rate Sellar higher because the difference isn't too much, plus Sellar moves better and has slightly more value around the ground. U18 AA ruckman this year but no ruckman really stood out for me. Hawks desperately need a ruckman with Everitt flying the nest, Hawks will also be salivating at the prospect of Leunberger slipping out of top 3, but could also see them snap up Thorp or even Jetta for their pace.

7. Geelong - Leroy Jetta
Style like: Jeff Farmer
My Ranking: 10

Extremely quick with very high skill level and is capable of doing things some players could only dream of doing. Has the ability and pace to break open a game and become a genuine match winner like our Nathan G Brown. May eventually become a midfielder but will need to do work on his endurance because at the moment he is a bit more of a burst player. And even then he may not become a bona fide midfielder IMO. Got the flair and goal sense of Aboriginal players and regularly uses them to advantage. U18 All Australian last year and has since been touted as a gun player. Better at the U18 champs last year than this year IMHO. Also, kicking under pressure was quite inconsistent at times, causing a few turnovers so would need to work on his composure under pressure. Geelong has a honest but slow midfield, and Jetta will inject immediate pace into their midfield.

8. Collingwood - Mitchell Thorp
Style like: Richo
My Ranking: 4

Gun KPP with amazing athleticism (especially that burst speed off the mark) and the versatility to play back and forward. Complete package with his versatility, athleticism, footy smarts and fine skills. Has played senior football in the VFL for Tasmania and was very impressed with his composure, marking and skill level (regularly pin-pointed 50 metre drop punts). Essentially he has everything required to become a dominant and quality tall in the AFL. Reminds me a bit of Richo in the sense that Thorp is an amazing athlete and his marking ability could make him a very dangerous marking forward. Looked quite good at last years U18's and stepped it up this year, being among Tassie's best every single match and clearly their MVP. Is a chance to slip and if he does we must pick him up. Best available and suits our needs so we must get him. Can play key defence, key forward and even through the midfield like Goodes. With Selwood best available , actually Collingwood might even be tempted to go for Selwood as he has better credentials than Thorp at this stage.

9. St Kilda - Jack Riewoldt
Style like: Ben Dixon
My Ranking: 18

Jack Riewoldt is a versatile tall who has okay pace. Will probably play as a key forward in his AFL career but has shown enough that he could hold down a key defensive post. Strong overhead (especially in contested situations), nice skills and shows some class. A fair bit behind Sellar, Thorp, Hansen and Gumbleton but it gives more of an indication of how good those 4 are. Riewoldt was very impressive in the VFL against men and more than held his ground IMO, featuring in the bests a few times. Shown at the U18 champs that he can be a genuine match winner. Not as athletic or classy as his cousin Nick, but tougher and more versatile IMHO, basically just a class or two below Nick prior to the draft. Query at this stage on his body size as he seems very wiry and may not bulk up enough to hold down a key post consistently. Has links to the club through his brother so believe that the Saints could be keen to add some further height. Would definitely look at Selwood too.

10. Collingwood - Joel Selwood
Style like: Scott West
My Ranking: 6

Classy and tough inside midfielder who like Luke Hodge, looks like a leader on the field. Just keeps winning the ball in close and has the ability to free up his hands to handball. Very clean hands and anticipates around the packs very well and is very quick in this regard. Not a great athlete (in the running and jumping sense) but has superb work-ethic and will run himself ragged in a game. Selwood does all the simple things so well and is very much a team-orientated player. Needs to work on/polish his kicking skills but Selwood is a natural footballer who will be a 200 gamer for the club who picks him up. Missed the U18 champs and large chunks of the TAC season because of a knee problem so could genuinely slide but definitely a top 10 talent. Collingwood desperately need quick midfielders which Selwood isn't, but definitely best available so I can see Collingwood go for best available rather than needs. Could potentially even go at no. 8 depending on how keen they are on him.

bluey_21:
11. Western Bulldogs - Bachar Houli
Style like: Dean Rioli
My Ranking: 11

Not a major fan of Houli, but still admire his talent and will certainly go pretty high in the draft. Houli is a midfielder/forward who is very clean off the ground and composed under the pressure. He has excellent kicking skills and decision making. A few queries on Houli are that he is already quite a solid build and may not have as much physical development left. Not particularly fast or agile and has had a fair few injury problems. Also doesn't work hard enough defensively. Quality kid and if he can overcome these problems he looks like becoming a genuine star. Whenever he is fit and gets on the park he is dangerous and a constant threat. This is proven when he finished high in the Western Jets B&F (2005) despite missing more than half the season. Doggies have plenty of speed already, don't be suprised to see them go for Thorp if he slips but Houli would be best for them IMO as a super classy forward midfielder who can damage opposition with his superb kicking skills a la Giansiricusa.

12. Melbourne - Ricky Petterd
Style like: Des Headland
My Ranking: 12

Medium-tall midfielder who is quick and has a good leap. Petterd is a physical player who works the packs well and likes to carry the ball. Can leap very high and take a strong grab. At this stage he is a very effective rather than classy midfielder who is hard at the ball and man and is quite athletic. Very solid kick without being super polished so could do with a bit of improvement. Like Schmidt has plenty of tools which to work with and could become a good AFL player. Liked him last year and really stamped himself on the division 2 competition at the championships this year with Queensland. For mine was definitely the standout division 2 player this year and won the Harrison Medal for best division 2 player. Would look at Sheringham as well as a classy running winger, but Petterd has better credentials and CV, Melbourne will like the fact that he can win the hardball, but also is quick enough to run the ball.

13. Richmond - Clayton Collard
Style like: Nick Dal Santo
My Ranking: 8

Although he is not as fast or razzle dazzle as his South Fremantle team mate Jetta, I believe he has a more well-rounded game. No stranger to winning his own hard ball and will put his body on the line for his team. Collard looks like becoming an attacking wingman who will carry the ball with his pace and either setup goals or finish it off himself. Like most Aboriginal players has flair and excitement when he plays. Also has a very nice leap and can really soar for a mark, for example a screamer he took on Vic Country's Jeff Ryan. Has played senior footy in the WAFL and done quite well for himself. Not too far off being a complete player IMO. Had a relatively quiet championship this year which don't really given an indication of how good he actually is. I am a really big fan of Collard; has got brilliant skills, best decision making of all players in this years draft IMHO, and is Dal-Santo-ish in his classy finishing. Hoping Thorp slips but odds are extremely stacked against us since we lost our pick 8. However Collard will suffice for me, super classy, breathtaking skills, great vision and is athletic, Wallace will love him. Could even look at Sheringham or maybe another key defender, but hope not because plenty of KP defenders later in the draft.

14. Adelaide - Jackson Sheringham
Style like: Kade Simpson
My Ranking: 13

Classy and quick wingman/half back flanker with a terrific long kick. Last year and this year was very impressive playing for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup, consistently running through the midfield and kicking long to advantage. He also showed composure, an excellent work-rate, a good ability to read the play and good decision making. Would be bit more of an outside player (rather than an inside player) at this stage and if could win some more contested ball could become a complete player. Only issue with him is is height, otherwise he is a class running player. A part of a group of players who are around about the same level, but because he has genuine pace, think that Adelaide will go for him.

15. Sydney - Thomas Hislop
Style like: Josh Carr
My Ranking: 17

Hislop is similar in playing style to Selwood but not quite as classy. He has clean hands, is hard at the ball and man and has got solid skills. Not overly fast but has enough. Quite strong through the legs and breaks tackles, also has a good tackling technique and is a strong tackler. Like a couple of the other Tassie boys has played some games with Tasmania in the VFL and looked quite good. Like Riddle, it would be a benefit to him to get the maximum amount out of his athleticism. Already a good height and size and should be ready to go in year 1 barring injuries. Impressed me for Tassie in the VFL and been even more impressive at the championships. Desperately need a quality young ruckman (not convinced recruiting the 30-something Peter Everitt was a good idea) so will hope that Leunberger will slip through, unlikely though. Hislop is a tough and hard at it midfielder which Sydney like, could even look at Andrejs Everitt as a player who could potentially grow to ruckman size.

16. West Coast - Brock O'Brien
Style like: Jed Adcock
My Ranking: 19

O’Brien is a tough and physical defender/midfielder with clean hands and neat skills. Quick but not lightning (DC results for sprints were suprisingly good) and makes good decisions. A bit like Jed Adcock and likes to take players on and attack at any given opportunities. He is also a pretty strong mark in the air considering his height. Also quite impressive last year at the U18 champs. Played some games in the WAFL against men and played quite well. O’Brien is a low risk pick with an excellent temperament for AFL, but probably less upside compared to a Sheringham or a Collard. Very solid last year at the champs and playing even better this year IMO. Finished on top, no real need for key forwards anymore as Ashley Hansen and Big Lynch have seem to come on so will go for best available. O'Brien is among a few who are best available, but being a WA local will push his name to the top.

bluey_21:
17. Carlton - Chris Schmidt
Style like: Joel Smith
My Ranking: 21

Schmidt is a classy midfielder who is already quite a good size. Takes a strong mark and kicks the ball accurately. At the U16 championships last year showed clean hands, good awareness, poise and an excellent ability to clear the ball out of congestion. Schmidt has excellent work at stoppages but needs to work on his attacking game more as he seems to prefer to play it safe. Alright pace but decision making under pressure needs a bit of work. Has some things to work on, but has the platform to become a good midfielder in the AFL. Very impressive last year at the U16 champs and played impressively again this year at the U18 champs. Looks like becoming a half back who can have a run on the ball. Classy and pacy with good kicking skills so will likely appeal to Carlton.

18. Essendon - Eric Mackenzie
My Ranking: 22

Strongly build key defender (looks most comfortable at CHB) who is not the greatest athlete, but has enough for it not to be a major problem at AFL. He has impressed recruiters with his strength and bodywork. And although he is top-aged, he is already a legitimate size and should play AFL footy in his first year. Shown a bit of versatility and can switch forward. Like Hansen is rarely beaten when playing in defence, but does it with power as opposed to Hansen who does it with anticipation. Also like Gumbleton looks like a very safe option. Was playing very well in the WAFL colts prior to the U18 champs but was quite quiet at the champs. May be a bit out-fashioned with clubs less willing to take a big gorilla. Essendon have Fletcher who is ageing and need a young key defender to bolster the stocks. If Essendon get Hansen and MacKenzie then they will basically have full back and centre half-back shored up for the next 10 years.




19. Carlton - Andrejs Everitt
Style like: Too hard to peg for mine, elements of Goodes though
My Ranking: 25

Everitt is a super athletic tall utility type who could really be developed into any position a team wants. Like Reid has a lot of weight to put on, but has the attributes to be a very good player. He has excellent athleticism (especially that huge leap), strong mark and a classy user of the ball. Although he has played at FB for Dandenong, at this early stage I would see him playing as a third tall forward and maybe eventually a key forward. And if continues his growth spurt could even become a backup ruckman/resting tall forward. More athlete than a genuine footballer currently, and potential greater than actual form IMHO. Was a player I was really looking forward to seeing at the championships but didn't deliver on what I was hoping of him. Can play a key defensive post on the right opponent and can run through the midfield a bit like Goodes which will definetly appeal to Carlton

20. Essendon - Travis Boak
style like: Amon Buchanon
My Ranking: 20

Boak is a composed inside midfielder who is hard at the ball and shows desperation. He shows class, plays with desperation and can win plenty of the ball. Pretty strong mark for his size, quite versatile (can play down back and up forward) and is a strong tackler. Very quick and suprisingly. skilful he does look like a good prospect, albeit a bit lower compared to a Proud or an Urquhart. Grow to 185cm and polish his skills a bit more and looks like quite a good prospect. Looked very solid at the U18 champs but never really was among the best, however does have an ability to genuinely change the momentum of a game. Mark and Jason Johnson are both veteran midfielders who will need replacing and Boak would be a good fit as a tough and hard at it, no fuss midfielder who will scrap for everything. Could see Sheeds pull one out of left field and snap up Calib Mourish, however Boak is a safer option and a very good midfielder who can play inside and win the ball or play outside and run it.

bluey_21:
21. North Melbourne - Grant Weeks
My Ranking: 24

Like Benjamin is a bit in the Andrew Embley mould IMO. He is a tall utility type who can run through the middle and play tall in the forward line. But much more footy smart than Benjamin. Leads well and is a very strong overhead mark but needs to work on his goal kicking. He is also quite lively when the ball hits the deck. Alright athleticism, but would want to try and work on getting a bit faster maybe. Stay at his current height then he will be a flanker/midfielder/utility type, grow a few more cm and he might become a key forward (would need to improve goal-kicking though). Played alright at the championships, took some strong marks, played with liveliness and kicked goals. Very handy and versatile tall option that could serve the Kangas as a medium tall marking target or a crumber. However Weeks is very hard to peg, some people like him whereas others don't think much of him.

22. Brisbane - Gavin Urquhart
Style like: Chris Scott
My Ranking: 26

Would have Urquhart at roughly the same level as Proud at this stage, but Proud has more upside and a few more tricks IMO. Urquhart is a tough and relentless inside midfielder who seems to lift when the opposition heaps more pressure on him. Genuinely inside midfielder who like Brock O'Brien is more effective than classy. Is a strong tackler, has a good work-rate, clean hands and neat skills. Would like to see him be more attacking and run the lines a bit though. Ready to play senior footy in year 1 but doesn't have as much scope for further improvement as others. U18 AA last year and while he played very well this year, not quite as good as last year IMO. I think it is because he was more physically developed than the others last year and those kids have caught up to him this year in that respect. Best available and a local QLD boy so Brisbane should have no hesitation in taking Urquhart to replace the retired Scott as a hard hitting defender/midfielder.

23. Port Adelaide - Ben Reid
My Ranking: 16

Reid is a very bottom-aged (29/4/1989) versatile tall who looked very impressive last year at the U16 championships. Very athletic, is a strong mark and has a heap of potential. May become a key position player but that is a long way off as he has a heap of weight to put on. Played for Murray Bushrangers in the TAC cup this year and was played in a variety of roles and did alright. His TAC cup form not as impressive as his U16 champs form last year though, but has all the physical attributes to potentially become a real player. Super impressive at last years U16 champs, but has not had a massive presence in this years U18 champs but it isn't bothering me too much because he is physically quite immature/skinny and very bottom-aged. Chad Cornes is playing upfield more, Bishop and Wakelin ageing, so Port will be planning for the future by taking a young and promising key defender.

24. Hawthorn Tom Collier
Style like: Grant Birchall
My Ranking: 27

Collier is a Grant Birchall type player with an almost identical profile, however Collier plays more like a KPP. He is tall (about 192cm), mobile, fast and quite skilful. At his height, clubs would be looking to turn him into a key-position player. Needed to improve body work and contested marking and has done so. And as such I feel a bit more comfortable in him making AFL. The fact that Birchall went in the 1st round last year and Collier is a similar player really does give an indication of how good this year’s draft is. Was also a bit like Birchall just running around doing what he wanted, but now seems more accountable and could become a modern day mobile rebounding CHB. Took Birchall successfully last year, so Collier as a similar type player will definetly appeal. Also knows how to play CHB which will appeal to Hawthorn's lack of quality tall defenders.

25. Geelong - Todd Pfeiffer
Style like: Brett Peake
My Ranking: 29

Had some pretty big wraps on him pre-championships but was dissapointing and is definitely one who could slip right to the end of the draft. Regardless will still be looked at because he has the makings of a modern-day player, and his running ability and long kicking cannot be ignored. Todd Pfeiffer (related to Adelaide's Darren?) is a medium sized winger/flanker who has good pace and likes to carry the ball through the midfield. Has an excellent long kick and good skills in general. Shows genuine footy smarts and moves well but could work harder (needs more endurance IMO). Loves to run and plays with a lot of dare like Freo's Brett Peake. Might even look at Benjamin, or even Renouf as a ruckman, but Pfeiffer is more footy smart and like Jetta will inject immediate pace and flair into Geelong's slow midfield.

26. Richmond - Daniel Connors
Style like: Heath Black
My Ranking: 14

Very hard-working midfielder who has a very solid all-round game with no standout flaws. Plays like a genuine centreman and finds plenty of the ball. Has a good work rate and can play as an in and under ball winner or a runner. As an inside midfielder he has quick hands and good vision. In space he will run hard and kick long to advantage. Very strong and courageous overhead mark which adds to his appeal. Good composure under pressure and very versatile midfielder, however needs to improve tackling. Tough customer who can also play a run-with role, but prefer him as an attacking player. Rate him very highly, and if he slips through to our pick I will be salivating. Perfect fit for us as he can feed the run of Lids, Tambo and co, while also being able to carry the ball himself. Getting Collard and Connors in my book is basically two first round picks.

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