Draft watch: the 16 most likely
afl.com.au
By Matt Burgan Mon 08 June, 2009
John Butcher (Vic Country)The likely No.2 draft pick at this stage behind Vic Metro's Tom Scully. Still, he is widely regarded as the best available tall in attack. He has booted five goals in two matches so far.
Allen Christensen (Vic Country)The son of Damien, who played 17 matches for Geelong in the 1980s, the midfielder was one of the standouts against Vic Metro with 22 disposals. Is just 176cm, but has been touted as a top-10 selection. Is quick and has flair.
Jesse Crichton (Tasmania)An AIS/AFL academy graduate who impressed recruiters during last year's carnival, Crichton is widely regarded as Tasmania's best draft prospect. He uses the ball well, winning 18 disposals and kicking two goals in Tassie’s opener against Northern Territory.
Ben Cunnington (Vic Country)Has been likened to Brad Sewell with his hard-running attributes and unrelenting style of play. A versatile prospect, he was instrumental in Country's opening win, kicking three goals and taking six marks, including three contested.
Jack Fitzpatrick (Vic Metro)The versatile and athletic tall can play as a key forward, in the ruck and even down back. He is very quick for his size and takes a good overhead mark. Stands at 201cm and was impressive in Metro's win against NSW/ACT, winning 19 disposals.
Jordan Gysberts (Vic Metro)A genuine onballer who has drawn comparison with emerging versatile Demon Jack Grimes. He reads the game well and uses the ball nicely. Regarded as a modern-day midfielder, he was impressive against NSW/ACT with 19 touches, three goals and two assists.
Kane Lucas (Western Australia)A hard-working, clever and creative midfielder, Lucas is one of Western Australia's best prospects in this year's pool. Has impressed as the Sandgropers’ joint vice-captain, especially in close and around the clearances.
Andrew Moore (Vic Metro)The younger brother of Richmond defender Kelvin has impressed considerably in his two matches so far across half-forward, booting five goals. Possesses a good vertical leap and has been likened to Swan Ryan O'Keefe.
Anthony Morabito (Western Australia)Best on ground in WA's opening win over South Australia at Subiaco Oval, Morabito is another to have come through the AIS/AFL academy. He is a midfielder who can run and carry, kick goals and win contested and uncontested ball.
Sam Reid (Vic Country)The younger brother of Collingwood's Ben, he predominantly plays as a defender, but can play up forward and pinch-hit in the ruck. Although smaller than Paddy Ryder at 192cm, he possesses similar characteristics, with an outstanding leap and pace for his size.
Gary Rohan (Vic Country)The athletic half-forward impresses particularly with his speed and hardness at the ball. Tackles well, chases hard – and against Vic Metro capped it off with a spectacular mark on the wing. Booted two goals against Tasmania on Sunday.
Tom Scully (Vic Metro)Has already been given the No.1 draft tag and after his first effort for Metro it's not hard to see why. The midfielder amassed a game-high 33 disposals against Vic Country, including 23 handballs. Has brilliant hands in tight situations.
Koby Stevens (Vic Country)An AIS/AFL academy graduate, Stevens was prominent in Country's win over Metro and was his side's best in the victory against Tasmania. A tough country lad, he can play midfield, half-back or half-forward, is very hard-working and uses the ball well.
Luke Tapscott (South Australia)A smaller onballer at 181cm, Tapscott is regarded as one of the most outstanding kicks in this year's draft pool. He is a strongly built youngster, but recruiters are impressed by his disposal efficiency and his ability to kick the ball 60-plus metres.
Jack Trengove (South Australia)The South Australian captain is his side's most promising prospect. Against WA in game one, he won 31 disposals, despite playing in a losing side. The hard-at-it midfielder/forward was again impressive against Queensland on Saturday.
Nathan Vardy (Vic Country)Already looming as one of the best rucks in this year's pool, the 198cm tall is a genuine tap ruckman who won 21 hit-outs against Vic Metro. He was particularly impressive at the centre bounces, when he produced some strong punches from the middle contests.
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