Draft watch: the 16 biggest names (afl site)

[one-eyed]

Draft watch: the 16 biggest names
By Matt Burgan Sun 05 July, 2009

John Butcher (Vic Country)
The key forward entered the NAB AFL Under-18 championships as a possible No.1 draftee but more likely the No.2 pick. Although he did not make the All-Australian team, he remains high in the pecking order, but probably now a top-five pick.

Jesse Crichton (Tasmania)
Another who recruiters continue to rate highly despite his missing out on All-Australian honours. Most still believe  the AIS/AFL Academy graduate is Tasmania's best prospect, although Ryan Harwood has his fans.

Ben Cunnington (Vic Country)
One of Vic Country's best and an Under-18 All-Australian. The versatile prospect has been likened to Brad Sewell, and averaged 20 disposals per match during the U18 champs. His ferocious attack on the ball and hard-running attributes keeps him right in the mix for the first round of November’s NAB AFL Draft.

Jack Fitzpatrick (Vic Metro)
Versatile for an athlete who stands at 201cm, and his flexibility makes him an attractive proposition. Can fill a key position at either end of the ground and should be a first-round pick at this point.

Jordan Gysberts (Vic Metro)
Modern-day midfielder who has been likened to emerging versatile Demon Jack Grimes.

Kane Lucas (Western Australia)
Joint vice-captain of WA’s unbeaten U18 team, and named on the wing in the All-Australian squad. He also spent time for WA across half-forward, adding a dimension to his game, which some recruiters believe enhanced his status.

Dustin Martin (Vic Country)
An onballer whose fortunes appear to have risen after an outstanding series of midfield performances in the U18 champs. Averaged 21 disposals per match in the champs.

Andrew Moore (Vic Metro)
The younger brother of Richmond defender Kelvin has been likened to Swan Ryan O'Keefe. Still a strong prospect and was particularly impressive early in the U18 champs.

Anthony Morabito (Western Australia)
His status has grown, particularly after his best-on-ground performance against South Australia at Subiaco Oval. Named All-Australian, the run-and-carry midfielder is now regarded as a top five selection. Top three is not out of the question.

Matthew Panos (South Australia)
Key forwards are never a dime a dozen in any draft and are again thin on the ground in this year's draft pool, which is why Panos pushes into the top 16. Kicked 14 goals in the championships, including five in one match.

Gary Rohan (Vic Country)
This time last year, Rohan was a full-back with Victorian country club Cobden. Now the exciting, high-leaping, hard-at-it half-forward is an All-Australian and appears to be a top 10 draft pick following his outstanding championships. He is one to watch.

Tom Scully (Vic Metro)
Came into the champs with the No.1 draft tag and finished them with the same mantle. Although South Australian Jack Trengove looms as a genuine challenger, it is hard to imagine the hard-running midfielder’s name not being the first called out in November.

Koby Stevens (Vic Country)
A versatile midfielder/flanker who impressed in the carnival despite missing out on NAB AFL All-Australian honours. He was Vic Country's best against Tasmania, for example. An AIS/AFL Academy graduate

Luke Tapscott (South Australia)
One recruiter has likened Tapscott's body mould to that of Leigh Matthews. The powerful midfielder/forward further enhanced his status with nine goals and 30 inside 50s for SA. But it is his disposal efficiency and beautiful foot skills that keep him right up here.

Jack Trengove (South Australia)
After winning 31 disposals in SA's first match, Trengove continued to go from strength to strength. The hard-at-it midfielder/forward is rated so highly that he is an outside chance for No.1 pick, firming for No.2 and top five at worse.

Nathan Vardy (Vic Country)
One of the leading rucks in this year's draft, the 198cm tall is a genuine ruck prospect. Although he was pipped for an All-Australian guernsey by South Australian James Craig, he still looms as a first-rounder at this stage.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/80065/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Burgatron has slightly altered his top 16 in the past month...


Draft watch: the 16 most likely
richmondfc.com.au
By Matt Burgan Wed 05 August, 2009

John Butcher (Vic Country/Gippsland Power)
Still looms as the most likely tall to be taken first in this year's draft. Booted five goals in his last outing for Gippsland Power and although he is now unlikely to be the first player selected in the NAB AFL Draft, he is still expected to go top five.

Ben Cunnington (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
Well and truly a top 10 selection now, he is viewed by some recruiters as being a top-eight pick. Best on ground for the Falcons last week against North Ballarat Rebels. A versatile type, he is fearless in his attack on the footy.

Jordan Gysberts (Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges)
Still in the first round mix and at this stage looms as a 12 to 16 selection, despite missing out on All-Australian U18 honours. His versatility has seen him compared to Melbourne young gun Jack Grimes.

Lewis Jetta (Western Australia/Swan Districts)
The 20-year-old is likely to be the first mature-age player drafted. The small forward kicked three goals for the Western Australian state team this year and had 24 touches for Swan Districts last round.

Kane Lucas (Western Australia/East Fremantle)
Although there have been some mixed views on where exactly he sits in the draft pool, it would surprise at this point if he was not taken in the top 12. He has been in good form since winning All-Australian selection at the under-18 champs.

Dustin Martin (Vic Country/Bendigo Pioneers)
The ball-winner shone for Bendigo last weekend, kicking three goals. He was his side's best in a losing team and continues to impress.

Andrew Moore (Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges)
Like Gysberts, the forward remains right in contention despite playing much of his football with Yarra Valley Grammar. Moore has been likened to Sydney Swans premiership player Ryan O'Keefe and is the younger brother of Tiger defender Kel.

Anthony Morabito (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)
The stocks of the run-and-carry dasher remain high and he now looms as a top three selection. There has even been speculation he could be No.1 if a Western Australian club has the first pick.

Matthew Panos (South Australia/Norwood)
On the back of his excellent under-18 champs, when he kicked 14 goals (including five in one outing), the All-Australian full-forward is still right in the mix, especially with few tall forwards available.

Gary Rohan (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
Plenty are excited by Rohan and it's easy to see why. He has transformed from a full-back with country club Cobden this time last year to a high-leaping half-forward who is now viewed as a top-10 selection.

Tom Scully (Vic Metro/Dandenong Stingrays)
At this stage, it would be a major surprise if Scully's was not the first name called out in this year's draft. He is an outstanding midfielder, with one recruiter likening his running ability and engine to West Coast great and now Tiger Ben Cousins

Koby Stevens (Vic Country/Gippsland Power)
The midfielder/flanker has been regarded as a "footballer's footballer" and looms as a 9-13 pick at this stage.

Daniel Talia (Vic Metro/Calder Cannons)
Named at centre half-back in this year's All-Australian team, Talia has come right into the equation due to his ability to fill a key position at either end of the ground. He is the grandson of 1954 Footscray premiership ruckman Harvey Stevens.

Luke Tapscott (South Australia/North Adelaide)
The powerful midfielder/forward has such a mature body for his age that one recruiter believes he would be ready to go for round one next year. His shape has also been compared to the great Leigh Matthews. One of the best kicks in the mix.

Jack Trengove (South Australia/Sturt)
The midfielder/forward remains one of the most sought after players in the country. Touted as a potential No.1, but now appears more likely to be a top-three pick. Has played four senior matches for Sturt since returning from the under-18 champs.

Nathan Vardy (Vic Country/Gippsland Power)
Height and the ability to play forward makes the 198cm tall a likely first-round pick. Among Gippsland's best players in its most recent match against Oakleigh Chargers.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82008/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Burgatron has updated his top 16...

Draft watch: the 16 most likely
afl.com.au
By Matt Burgan 3:40 PM Thu 27 August, 2009

Aaron Black (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)
The athletic tall could be the bolter in this year's top 16. He has a basketball background and has been likened to Geelong's Mitchell Brown, who shot up the rankings in last year's draft and was taken in the first round.

John Butcher (Vic Country/Gippsland Power)
Of all the key forwards in this year's mix, Butcher still looks set to be the leading contender and a top-five selection. His most recent outing for Gippsland produced three goals and some impressive work against Gold Coast.

Allen Christensen (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
The nephew of Damien and Marty remains a fascinating player in terms of his positioning in this year's draft. He looms as a top 20 selection.

James Craig (South Australia/North Adelaide)
After an impressive carnival, the ruckman was named in the All-Australian side and has since risen in stocks. Although he is not a definitive top 16 pick, the fact there are few ruckmen available puts him in the mix.

Ben Cunnington (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
Last month, the tough-as-teak utility had shot into top 10 calculations, but now it appears he is in the top six, particularly after his best-on-ground five-goal performance against Western Jets last round.

Lewis Jetta (Western Australia/Swan Districts)
The 20-year-old looms as the most likely mature-age player to be chosen in the first round. Related to Neville and Leroy, he could be a 12 to 16 prospect at this stage. His form, particularly in a senior state game this year, really pricked the interest of recruiters.

Kane Lucas (Western Australia/East Fremantle)
Although highly rated, there have been some varying opinions on exactly where the midfielder will land in the first round. There has been recent talk of him being on the cusp of the top 10, given his All-Australian selection and senior WAFL appearances.

Dustin Martin (Vic Country/Bendigo Pioneers)
Continues to enhance his reputation and is now likely to be a top 12 pick. His status has really lifted as the season has progressed, especially since the championships. Last weekend, the ball-winner was Bendigo's best in its loss to Eastern Ranges.

Andrew Moore (Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges)
The younger brother of Richmond's Kel continues to be in the mix as a first-round draftee – possibly 12-16 – despite playing much of his football with school team Yarra Valley Grammar. He can play at both ends and has been likened to Swan Ryan O'Keefe.

Anthony Morabito (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)
The dashing midfielder remains a top 5 selection. Some believe he has the potential to be the No.1 pick, but more likely he seems a No.2 or No.3 pick. With Melbourne now claiming the top two choices, it will be fascinating to see if the Dees take him.

Gary Rohan (Vic Country/Geelong Falcons)
His stocks keep on rising and it's not hard to see why. He is one of the most exciting players in this year's pool, with plenty of upside in his game. Rohan has gone from a first rounder to top 10 pick and now looks set to be claimed in the first half-a-dozen.

Brad Sheppard (Western Australia/East Fremantle)
Named in the back-pocket of this year's All-Australian team, Sheppard has come right into first-round calculations recently. In fact, some believe he could be a top 12 pick. He has been likened to Craig Turley/Brad Sewell as a half-back/onball prospect.

Tom Scully (Vic Metro/Dandenong Stingrays)
The gut-running midfielder still looks set to be the first player selected in the NAB AFL Draft and with Melbourne now claiming the first picks it would be a major surprise if he was not in red and blue colours next year.

Daniel Talia (Vic Metro/Calder Cannons)
Although a recent hamstring injury ended his season, the All-Australian centre half-back remains right in contention to be a first-round selection. Although there are some split views in regards to his placing in the pool, he does rate highly.

Luke Tapscott (South Australia/North Adelaide)
The strongly-built midfielder/forward is on the cusp of the top 12, since his kicking is widely regarded as the best of the underage talent. Some recruiters have likened his kicking to Brisbane Lions young gun Daniel Rich.

Jack Trengove (South Australia/Sturt)
The hard-at-it midfielder/forward remains a top-three prospect. It will be intriguing to see if Melbourne takes Trengove with one of its first two picks. He could be as early as No.1 or at worst No.5. He is playing seniors in the SANFL.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/83610/default.aspx

[Ramps]

Aaron Black is supposedly someone who the eagles tried to 'hide'. Black and Griffiths should be in our sights with our 2nd round pick.