The AFL Draft

[Richo]

Here is a look at the top 10 WA youngsters ahead of November's AFL draft:

1. Scott Gumbleton - Peel Thunder
The highly-touted 18-year-old looks to be the complete centre half forward - strong contested mark, thin yet surprisingly strong and powerful. Made the successful transition to Peel's league side this season, including 5 Sandover Medal votes in the season-opener. U18 All-Australian this year and appears to be the most outstanding key forward in the draft.

2. Matthew Leuenberger - East Perth
The 18-year-old joins South Australian James Sellar as the most talented ruckmen available at this year's draft. Named the starting ruckman in the U18 All-Australian side after dominating at the National Championships. Played at league level for the Royals this season, but was eligible to play in the colts' finals campaign, where he showed just why he is the best young ruckman in the country. 10 possessions and 29 hitouts in the Royals' grand final win earned Leuenberger the Mel Whinnen Medal for best on ground. Registered a 3.02sec 20m sprint time at draft camp, placing in the top 40 per cent, which is unexpected for a 202cm ruckman. Has drawn comparisons to West Coast star Dean Cox and will figure among the top 10 selections at least.

3. Leroy Jetta - South Fremantle
Freakishly quick midfielder/forward pocket who takes players on and breaks games open. Perhaps suited more to the forward pocket, where he displays his outstanding goal sense. Also an U18 All-Australian this year and finished in the top 10 in the Prendergast Medal for the reserves best and fairest. An almost definite top 10 hope.

4. Clayton Collard - South Fremantle
Almost in the same mould as teammate Jetta but is taller and more suited to the midfield. Played nine league games in 2006 including 18 possessions, nine marks and five goals against Swan Districts. Suffering from osteitis pubis, which restricted him at draft camp, but should still be a top 15 selection with a chance of going in the top 10.

5. Eric Mackenzie - Claremont
Key position player more suited to a role in defense. Excellent skills, damaging on the rebound and very impressive bodywork when opposed to a key forward. Has the ability to play at either end and should be snapped up by West Coast if he is not selected earlier in the draft.

6. Clint Benjamin - Claremont
Versatile utility who can also play as a forward or defender. Good endurance and speed for a 187cm utility. Played predominantly as a key defender at the U18 National Championships this year. Only question is disposal, but should be a top 20 selection at least.

7. Brock O'Brien - Peel Thunder
Physical midfielder/half back flanker in the same mould Brock McLean. Thrives on physical contests and impressed at last two National Championships at U18 level. Also played a handful of games in Peel's league side. Not lightning quick but has solid pace and appears physically ready to make the next step. A definite top 20 hope.

8. Jarryd Morton - Claremont
Brother of West Coast's Mitch Morton and son of Claremont legend Noel, a utility who plays at either end of the ground. Finished with an impressive 39 goals from 16 games in the colts, including a seven-goal haul against South Fremantle early this year. Solid at the National Championships when playing predominantly in defense. Should be a second or third-round selection.

9. James Hawksley - Peel Thunder
Doesn't have the same profile as many of the other highly-touted Sandgropers but has a good combination of pace and height. Can be used on a wing or half-back flank, but more suited to a role in defense. Member of the 2005 AIS/AFL academy. Ran a solid 12.11sec at the state screening. Should be an early second or third-round selection.

10. Garry Moss - East Perth
U18 WA captain and All-Australian this year. Fairly small but has great ball-winning ability and is clever around goals. Played eight league games for the Royals after an impressive pre-season. Showed ability to adjust to league football, averaging 15 disposals in his eight games, including 26 against Perth. Also should be a second or third-round pick.

 

[Richo]

Here is a look at the top 10 young Allies ahead of November's AFL draft:

1. Mitch Thorp - Tasmania
One of the most talented and versatile key position players in this year's draft crop, can play at either end of the ground. Didn't have a great season for Tasmania in the VFL, but shined at the U18 National Championships with All-Australian selection as well as Tasmania's MVP award. Almost a certainty to be selected in the top five.

2. Albert Proud - Queensland
Pacey midfielder who knows how to find the ball. Superb combination of pace, aggression and hardness. Experienced injury problems this year. Can play both as an inside and outside midfielder, enjoys breaking the lines and taking players on. Likely to go in the top 10.

3. Jack Riewoldt - Tasmania
Excellent season in Tasmania's VFL league side, overshadowing teammate Thorp. Cousin of St Kilda star Nick, more suited to a key forward role. One of the best contested marks in this year's draft pool. A chance to sneak into the top 10, but a definite top 15 selection.

4. David Armitage - Queensland
U18 All-Australian, another quick, skilled midfielder who helped Queensland capture the division two title at the championships. Knows how to find the footy and courage cannot be questioned. Stocks on the rise after best agility test in the country at draft camp. Also finished top 10 in beep test and 3km time-trial. An outside chance to sneak into the top 10 but a definite top 20 selection.

5. Kurt Tippett - Queensland
Relatively unknown until he exploded in the AFLQ finals in the Southport league side. Another basketball convert, suited to a key forward role and has shown the ability to assist in the ruck. Agile for a big man and deadly in front of goal. Impressed with four goals in the Rising Stars Cup. Should be a top 20 selection.

6. Tom Hislop - Tasmania
U18 All-Australian, physically tough inside midfielder. Good natural footballer, excellent skills with both hand and foot and impressive size for a midfielder. Most likely a top 20 pick.

7. Ricky Petterd - Queensland
Highly-rated midfielder after claiming the Harrison Medal for best player in division two at the National Championships. Another Queensland representative in the U18 All-Australian side. Relatively quiet in the AFLQ but has smooth skills and leadership qualities. Chance to go in the first round but more likely to slip to the second round.

8. Brent Renouf - Queensland
Excellent form in the AFLQ finals for Southport, highly-rated ruckman who is easily one of the best talls to come out of Queensland this year. Showed flexibility when playing in the ruck and as a key defender in Southport's AFLQ grand final win. Top 10 in the vertical leap and 3km time-trial at the draft camp. A late first-round/early second-round selection.

9. Nathan Djerrkura - Northern Territory
NT MVP and its only representative in the U18 All-Australian side at the National Championships. Impressive in the Rising Stars Cup win for the Allies with 23 disposals. Excellent draft camp,
finishing top 10 in agility, 30m repeat sprints, 20m sprint and beep test. Most likely a second-round selection.

10. Craig Bird - New South Wales/ACT
The captain and MVP for NSW/ACT at the U18 National Championships, also their only All-Australian representative. Hard-working inside midfielder with 27 disposals in the Rising Stars Cup match. Could go anywhere in the draft and would be a handy asset with great work in the stoppages.

 

[mattyj]

3. Jack Riewoldt - Tasmania
Excellent season in Tasmania's VFL league side, overshadowing teammate Thorp. Cousin of St Kilda star Nick, more suited to a key forward role. One of the best contested marks in this year's draft pool. A chance to sneak into the top 10, but a definite top 15 selection.

we should draft him on name alone!!!

 

[Magicman]

hopefully Luenberger is available at pick 8

 

[bargey]

hopefully Leunberger is gone after pick 1

 

[Richo]

hopefully Leunberger is gone after pick 1

hopefully Luenberger is available at pick 8

Well you both know quality when you read about it then ! That guy plays for the WAFL side i support and he has had a FANTASTIC year ! He won a Colts Grand Final and was selected as the best player in the Grand Final.......I know another ruckman that was the BOG in a WAFL Grand Final - Dean Cox in 2000 !!!

I was rather hoping Leunberger would last until pick 16 but I can hear you all laughing already........I can only hope I guess I would just like to to see some of the East Perth boys picked up by the WCE or Freo so they get to stay at home (WA) while the AFL team is developing them

 

[Richo]

we should draft him on name alone!!!

Agreed !

 

[theflyinggerco]

I dont care in the least whom Geelong gets, as long as its a key forward whom can contribute soon, along with Nathan Ablett, Cam Mooney and Brad Ottens.

Hopefully Carlton can pick between Gibbsy and the Long Burger, IMO i would go with the Long Burger, cos with Murphy, Stevens and Russell, they have a couple of good midfielders, another one is not going to win them more games, but a classy ruckman, who can get back and help a undermanned defence, even with Thornton staying, would be more helpful.

But hey, i predicted Xavier Ellis would go No. 3 in the 2005 AFL Draft in 2002, so what do i know lol

 

[Richo]

It's not far away now......it is going to be interesting this year as it's the most talented Draft since the 2001 Hodge / Ball / Judd draft !!!

 

[Richo]

Here are the top 10 Victorian draft hopefuls for November’s national draft:


1. Lachlan Hansen – Gippsland
Courageous key position player with one of the best contested marks in this year’s draft pool. Played at all positions down the spine during the U18 national championships but looks more suited to a defensive role. Dominates his opponents and does not drop many marks. Showed his amazing courage and hunger for the ball when getting knocked out in a national championships game while running back into a pack. One of five Vic Country players selected in the U18 All-Australian side. Excellent endurance and is freakishly athletic for his size. Minor hip surgery won’t stop Hansen from being drafted in the top five, while he is also considered a chance to go No.1.

2. Joel Selwood – Bendigo
One of the classiest young inside midfielders to come through the draft, brother of West Coast’s Adam and Brisbane’s Troy. Cool and composed in the stoppages, where he does his best work extracting the ball and winning possession. Physically tough player who centres aggression on winning the hard ball. Prefers to feed possessions to outside midfielders and running players in the same mould as Western Bulldogs star Daniel Cross. Excellent leadership skills also make him a more attractive prospect. Missed this year’s championships due to injury. Could be selected anywhere in the top 10.

3. Nathan Brown – North Ballarat
Another key position prospect more suited to a defensive role. Hard at the ball, great closing speed and damaging on the rebound. Vic Country MVP and U18 AA fullback at this year’s championships. Played forward at times for Rebels but clearly preferred option would be at fullback or centre half back. Could sneak into the top 10 or could be picked up anywhere from pick 10 to 25.

4. Daniel Connors – Bendigo
Quick inside midfielder, courageous and outstanding disposal. Has the ability to get the hard ball at stoppages as well as receive possession on the outside while using his pace to break the lines. Could also develop into a floating half back flanker, but has more upside as an inside midfielder. Strong overhead and a strong-bodied player. Tackling is only question mark but will most likely go between pick 10 and 20.

5. Bachar Houli – Western Jets
Tremendous, damaging skills for a small midfielder. Despite small size, Houli is hard at the ball and is superb in contested situations. Very smart player with outstanding vision and awareness. Missed out on U18 AA selection despite impressing at the championships. Struggled with ankle and back injuries in 2005 but had an injury-free 2006 season. Could be selected anywhere between pick 10 and 25.

6. Ben Reid – Murray Bushrangers
Tall, skinny key position player with huge upside and potential. Impressive at the U16 championships in 2005. Good set of hands, can take a contested mark, good leap and is very mobile and athletic for his size. Good defensive rebounder but can also play as a key forward. At 17 years of age, Reid is only just eligible for this year’s draft, so he has tremendous potential to develop into a solid key position player. Most likely selected between pick 16 and 30.

7. Jarryd Allen – Calder
U18 AA while representing Vic Metro at the national championships earlier this year. Versatile key position player who can play at either end of the ground. Could settle at centre half back in AFL. Could definitely be a huge bolter on draft day with the potential to go anywhere from top 20 to top 35.

8. Mitch Brown – North Ballarat
Brother of Nathan Brown, both in the same mould – key position players who can play at either end of the ground. Starred when swung forward in a championships match against WA. Big, strong body who loves the contest, in similar mould to Demon Brad Miller. Should also be selected somewhere after pick 20 which is a high-value pick for the club that picks him up.

9. Jarrad Harbrow – Murray Bushrangers
Can play as an inside or outside midfielder. Greatest assets are pace, kicking and goal sense. Didn’t have an extremely impressive championships campaign or draft camp but goalkicking midfielders can be invaluable. Should be selected somewhere after pick 25.

10. Grant Weeks – Bendigo
Key position player who finished runner up in Bendigo’s best and fairest this season. Tall flanker who developed into more of a full forward at the Pioneers in 2006. Presents to contests well and is good overhead. Accuracy in front of goal is one of his only weaknesses. Best suited to a half forward flank or lead-up centre half forward role. Most likely selected somewhere after pick 30.

*Tom Hawkins and Josh Kennedy were not considered as they will be picked up via the father/son rule.

 

[Richo]

Here are the top 10 South Australian draft hopefuls for November’s national draft:

1. Bryce Gibbs – Glenelg
More of a natural footballer than an athlete but possesses freakish skills. Played senior footy for Glenelg in 2005 and 2006. One of only two South Australians that made the U18 AA side this year and was named SA’s MVP. Genuine midfielder, not lightning quick, but football ability and awareness make up for that. Can also be effective as a goalkicking wingman. Easily one of the best players if not the best in this year’s draft pool and with Carlton committing to Cain Ackland, Gibbs should be the No.1 pick.

2. James Sellar – Glenelg
Ruckman/key forward who has smooth skills for a key position player. Solid athleticism and is effective in contested situations. Good leap evident with a top 10 finish in the vertical leap at this year’s draft camp. Height could be the only question mark as to whether he can ruck at AFL level or will be a key forward. Dominated the 2005 U16 championships but failed to impress in this year’s U18 championships, when he reportedly suffered due to a bout of the flu. An almost definite top 10 selection with the potential to sneak into the top five.

3. Chris Schmidt – West Adelaide
Classy midfielder that showed his potential at the 2005 U16 championships where he was SA’s third best player behind Gibbs and Sellar. Suited to roles in the midfield, wing or forward flanks. Very smart footballer with excellent disposal. With Sellar out of form, Schmidt was clearly SA’s second best at the U18 championships. Top 10 in handspan testing at draft camp. Good overhead for a midfielder and has a strong mark. Most likely a second-round selection.

4. Tom Hurley – Sturt
SA U18 captain and U18 AA. Consistent ball winner with excellent pace and evasive skills. Draft stocks boosted by dominant championships performance this year. Suited to a role as inside midfielder with ability to win possession from stoppages. Kicking lacks penetration and precision at time but is a genuine ball magnet. Could be a first-round selection, more likely a second-rounder.

5. Alwyn Davey – South Adelaide
Outstanding small crumbing forward, brother of Melbourne star Aaron. Explosive pace and excellent defensive pressure. Has reportedly attracted interest from Port Adelaide and Melbourne. Was a disappointment until around July when he exploded onto the scene in the SANFL. Could go anywhere from the third-round onwards.

6. Sam Jacobs – Woodville-West Torrens
Only Woodville-West Torrens representative for SA at the U18 championships this year. Genuine ruckman who is mobile and works well with midfielders. Strong mark and good size. Played league football for the Eagles in the SANFL this season. Excellent work around the ground. Worth a mid-to-late round pick.

7. Zac Millar – North Adelaide
Former AIS/AFL academy member with skill and talent. Suited to a role either as a half forward flanker of midfielder. Deadly goal sense and excellent disposal. Well built and hard at the ball. Questions over his lack of endurance ability to do the one-percenters. Most likely a late-round pick.

8. Justin Westhoff - Central
Centre half forward prospect with a long, precise kick and strong mark. 19-year-old who played at league level in the SANFL this season. Terrific height for a key forward prospect but would need to add weight. If he can add around 10kg to his frame he would have tremendous upside for which ever club picks him up. Also a likely late-round pick.

9. Shane Edwards – North Adelaide
Terrific athletic qualities for a skinny midfielder. Hard working on-baller and despite skinny frame is a very good tackler (11 tackles in SANFL preliminary final). Third in the beep test at the draft camp. Outstanding endurance and aggression, but small size could see him drop to a late-round pick.

10. Todd Pfeiffer – North Adelaide
Played at league level in the SANFL but had an extremely disappointing U18 championships campaign. Class player who is poised and has great skills. Smart player, ball magnet and can drift forward and kick goals. Worth a late-round pick.

 

[mattyj]

i hope Bryce Gibbs is still available when st kilda picks

 

[MetallicA']

i heard alwyn is faster than Davey.
he can run 100 in 10.4 lol
but he isnt as good and hasnt got a football mind smarter than aaron.

 

[Richo]

With the November 25 national draft not too far away, here is a look at the FootyGoss Mock Draft first round predictions:

1. Bryce Gibbs - Carlton
More of a natural footballer than an athlete but possesses freakish skills. Played senior footy for Glenelg in 2005 and 2006. One of only two South Australians that made the U18 AA side this year and was named SA’s MVP. Genuine midfielder, not lightning quick, but football ability and awareness make up for that. Can also be effective as a goalkicking wingman. By far the best midfield prospect in the draft pool and the Blues will look to give the likes of Stevens and Scotland more assistance.

2. Scott Gumbleton - Essendon
The highly-touted 18-year-old looks to be the complete centre half forward - strong contested mark, thin yet surprisingly strong and powerful. Made the successful transition to Peel's league side this season, including 5 Sandover Medal votes in the season-opener. U18 All-Australian this year and appears to be the most outstanding key forward in the draft. Sheedy will find it difficult to look past this sensational key position prospect.

3. Lachlan Hansen - Kangaroos
Courageous key position player with one of the best contested marks in this year’s draft pool. Played at all positions down the spine during the U18 national championships but looks more suited to a defensive role. Dominates his opponents and does not drop many marks. Showed his amazing courage and hunger for the ball when getting knocked out in a national championships game while running back into a pack. One of five Vic Country players selected in the U18 All-Australian side. Excellent endurance and is freakishly athletic for his size. Minor hip surgery won’t stop the Kangaroos selecting Hansen, who will provide assistance to a disappointing Roos defence.

4. Joel Selwood - Brisbane
One of the classiest young inside midfielders to come through the draft. Cool and composed in the stoppages, where he does his best work extracting the ball and winning possession. Physically tough player who centres aggression on winning the hard ball. Prefers to feed possessions to outside midfielders and running players in the same mould as Western Bulldogs star Daniel Cross. Excellent leadership skills also make him a more attractive prospect. Missed this year’s championships due to injury. Lions' midfield still needs attention and pairing Joel with brother Troy will provide a massive boost.

5. Matthew Leuenberger - Port Adelaide
Named the starting ruckman in the U18 All-Australian side after dominating at the national championships. Played at league level for the Royals this season, but was eligible to play in the colts' finals campaign, where he showed just why he is the best young ruckman in the country. 10 possessions and 29 hitouts in the Royals' grand final win earned Leuenberger the Mel Whinnen Medal for best on ground. Registered a 3.02sec 20m sprint time at draft camp, placing in the top 40 per cent, which is unexpected for a 202cm ruckman. Port will look to Leuenberger as a replacement for veteran Brendon Lade.

6. Mitchell Thorp - Hawthorn
One of the most talented and versatile key position players in this year's draft crop, can play at either end of the ground. Didn't have a great season for Tasmania in the VFL, but shined at the U18 national championships with All-Australian selection as well as Tasmania's MVP award. A spine including Franklin, Roughead, Dowler and Thorp will be a potent mix in years to come.

7. Daniel Connors - Geelong
Quick inside midfielder, courageous and outstanding disposal. Has the ability to get the hard ball at stoppages as well as receive possession on the outside while using his pace to break the lines. Could also develop into a floating half back flanker, but has more upside as an inside midfielder. Strong overhead and a strong-bodied player. Perhaps somewhat of a surprise top 10 selection, but has the skill and talent to become one of the Cats' premier midfielders.

8. James Sellar - Collingwood
Ruckman/key forward who has smooth skills for a key position player. Solid athleticism and is effective in contested situations. Good leap evident with a top 10 finish in the vertical leap at this year’s draft camp. Height could be the only question mark as to whether he can ruck at AFL level or will be a key forward. Dominated the 2005 U16 championships but failed to impress in this year’s U18 championships, when he reportedly suffered due to a bout of the flu. Will provide much-needed assistance as a key forward with Tarrant's departure and Rocca ageing.

9. Leroy Jetta - St Kilda
Freakishly quick midfielder/forward pocket who takes players on and breaks games open with his outstanding goal sense. Also an U18 All-Australian this year and finished in the top 10 in the Prendergast Medal for the reserves best and fairest. Will help add dash and flair to St Kilda's workman-like midfield.

10. Albert Proud - Collingwood
Pacey midfielder who knows how to find the ball. Superb combination of pace, aggression and hardness. Experienced injury problems this year. Can play both as an inside and outside midfielder, enjoys breaking the lines and taking players on. Pies need injection of midfield youth with Buckley, Licuria, O'Bree and Burns not getting any younger.

11. Eric Mackenzie - Western Bulldogs
Key position player more suited to a role in defense. Excellent skills, damaging on the rebound and very impressive bodywork when opposed to a key forward. Does have the ability to play at either end, but will most likely fill the imminent void at centre half-back with 2007 likely to be Chris Grant's final year.

12. Clayton Collard - Melbourne
Almost in the same mould as teammate Jetta but is slightly more suited to the midfield. Played nine league games in 2006 including 18 possessions, nine marks and five goals against Swan Districts. Suffering from osteitis pubis, which restricted him at draft camp. Will add flair to Melbourne's hard-nosed midfield while he can also be used across half-forward.

13. David Armitage - Richmond
U18 All-Australian, another quick, skilled midfielder who helped Queensland capture the division two title at the championships. Knows how to find the footy and courage cannot be questioned. Stocks on the rise after best agility test in the country at draft camp. Also finished top 10 in beep test and 3km time-trial. Should help feed the Tigers' outside running midfielders.

14. Jack Riewoldt - Adelaide
Excellent season in Tasmania's VFL league side, overshadowing teammate Thorp. Cousin of St Kilda star Nick, more suited to a key forward role. One of the best contested marks in this year's draft pool. Will help solve Adelaide's inconsistent forward line with efficient goal-kicking and strong leading up the ground.

15. Clinton Benjamin - Sydney
Versatile utility who can also play as a forward or defender. Good endurance and speed for a 187cm utility. Played predominantly as a key defender at the U18 national championships this year. Only question is disposal, particularly on the left foot, but pace and versatility will be a huge asset for the Swans.

16. Tom Hislop - West Coast
U18 All-Australian, physically tough inside midfielder. Good natural footballer, excellent skills with both hand and foot and impressive size for a midfielder. Eagles have indicated that they will select key position players later in the draft and will continue streak of taking inside midfielders early in the draft.

 

[33WING]

i heard alwyn is faster than Davey.
he can run 100 in 10.4 lol
but he isnt as good and hasnt got a football mind smarter than aaron.

I went to watch the first game A.Davies played at the MCG against my mighty Hawks and he was amazing for a young rookie as well as some games I seen him play in Darwin when I was living up there for a few years.
If his brother is anything like this he will be another great addition to any team.

 

[MetallicA']

well the dons did well, got Hislop who i had big rapts on, gumbelton, davey and picked up mal michael out of retirement.

 

[wolvesjr34]

I went to watch the first game A.Davies played at the MCG against my mighty Hawks and he was amazing for a young rookie as well as some games I seen him play in Darwin when I was living up there for a few years.
If his brother is anything like this he will be another great addition to any team.

You follow the Hawks too? MATE we are gonna get along so very well LOL

 

[33WING]

we might have been seperated at birth mate.

 

[33WING]

well the dons did well, got Hislop who i had big rapts on, gumbelton, davey and picked up mal michael out of retirement.

sounds like sheedy has got his finger on the pulse.
what sort of money did they offer michael to come out of retirement.

 

[mattyj]

What do u guys know about this Armitage that St Kilda got? he sounds like a Luke Ball type, in and under player