Just watched the highlights package of Kieran Lovell, potentially available for our 2nd rounders, and possible one of the options for a midfielder if we go Curnow/Francis/Weideman with picks 4 and 5.
He looks a strong midfield type. Short and stocky in the legs, but quick and well balanced, low to the ground. A neat kick and seems to have good vision and make good decisions. The games he is highlighted in were open free running type games, unlike an AFL contested stoppage game style, so not sure how his game would translate to AFL, but the same applies to all U18 midfielders. Although he is small, strength would not be an issue. Very reluctant to kick left foot and either goes across ground with his right or handballs if he is going that way. Reminds me a bit of Zac Merrett in stature and in what he is good at. Runs a bit like him too.
Agree - I’d like to get him. There is a reasonable chance he’ll be available due to the fact that he is short.
Why do people think we need a power forward. Is this based off West Coast?
If you model our forward line off the Hawks it seems we already have players to form a cohesive and varied forward line.
Obviously we don’t have anyone of the class and creativity of Rioli. Not many do.
So I’m not sold on Curnow or Weidemen structure wise.
If Disco thinks they are the best player available then sure. But I think Parish and Francis are.
There are a couple of elements. JD is nowhere near as proven as Roughead, a Hawks forward line of Franklin/Roughead/Gunston/Hale also worked, but most importantly Langford seems to project more as a midfielder.
Personally, I’d be happy with any two of Weideman/Curnow/Francis. All could complement JD, two could play midfield as alternatives.
Yeah I'm with ya in Francis, like the vast majority I know ■■■■ all bar what I've read and highlight clips but Francis looks like a gun. Looks like a Luke Hodge but more proficient overhead. I get he is not necessarily what we are screaming out for but the kid looks tough, uncompromising, ready made and just a ■■■■■■ good footballer. The likes of Curnow, Weidaman, Millera all look pretty risky so if we are going to take a risk in one of them I think we have to take a banker in Francis.
Concur. Also, if you really think about it, who is certain to play the third tall role in defence now? Imo there is a spot for Francis in defence even if he doesn’t transition to the on ball group.
AFL website now has Oliver in the discussion for our (and Melbourne's) top 10 picks.
http://m.afl.com.au/news/2015-10-31/morrish-medallist-clayton-oliver-adds-top10-twist
No idea on the truth of it but, if Parish is gone, i'd be happy picking Oliver as the natural midfielder along with Francis. Had decent testing to go along with strong exposed midfield form, after recovering from osteitis that kept him out of the u18 carnival.
I think he also moved a few hours from home (living mainly by himself) in order to play for the bushrangers this year.
Neither Curnow or Weideman fill me with confidence as high end tall forward options.
Edit: but Curnow over Weideman for mine. Get a long term kpd (Skinner) and a ready to go state league kpd at a later pick, then maybe Tilmouth-Turner as a Rookie.
Or even Himmelberg (gws academy - Cam McCarthy type) as the kpf at 24/25. Not sure gws could or would match. Would need to give him straight to Lloyd though, he’s a rubbish set shot.
I’m sold on Oliver at pick 5. On ball brute, wins high numbers of contested possessions. Disposal percentage is sound for an on baller. Kicks goals when resting forward. Held his own at vfl level during the season. I’m gonna call it…he could be our Jimmy Bartel.
I know we need a key forward badly, but we need more of everything to be honest. I believe that Oliver could form a very handy future partnership with Hepp and Zerrett as a starting on ball group.
There is a Rioli in this draft…could someone please explain why is no one talking about him?
I would have thought that we’d go for him at 25 if available…? Is he gone before 25 ?
We missed Junior Boy when we could have got him, why make the same mistake twice ?
There is a Rioli in this draft....could someone please explain why is no one talking about him?
I would have thought that we'd go for him at 25 if available...? Is he gone before 25 ?
We missed Junior Boy when we could have got him, why make the same mistake twice ?
Where the hell have you been?? Talk of Rioli is rife in a half dozen threads or so…
I’d like Francis, but why do I feel that Essendon aren’t?
Are we getting sold on him because of the fact he’s a bomber supporter or a player we actually need?
Why do people think we need a power forward. Is this based off West Coast?
If you model our forward line off the Hawks it seems we already have players to form a cohesive and varied forward line.
Obviously we don’t have anyone of the class and creativity of Rioli. Not many do.
So I’m not sold on Curnow or Weidemen structure wise.
If Disco thinks they are the best player available then sure. But I think Parish and Francis are.
Well in the last 3 years we’ve had Hurley, Carlisle and Hooker all playing forward at various times because having JD and a resting ruckman has not been nearly potent enough. One of those I just mentioned has left and the other 2 are AA backmen. So yes I agree another proper key forward would really help.
Tbell has been injured.
JD is a third year player.
Langford and Laverde first year players.
Tbell fit and up and going. Smack at CHF and another year on our 3 youngsters.
