Ahern at 17 would be fantastic if he slipped. Not sold on Lamb though, you'd be hoping he became a top shelf HFF or mid but it seems quite risky. I'd prefer Garlett if he was still there.
From Inside Footy
17. ESSENDON – Paul Ahern | Calder Cannons
Ahern‘s best is as good as any, but his inconsistency sees him drop into the grateful hands of the Bombers. A nice surprise for Adrian Dodoro and co.
In the mix: Jarrod Garlett, Tom Lamb
20. ESSENDON – Tom Lamb | Dandenong Stingrays
Like Ahern, Lamb‘s best is top shelf, but he has been flipped all over the field and the Bombers will hope settling into one position will allow him to flourish.
In the mix: Jarrod Garlett, Corey Ellis
Great selling point - we specialise in inconsistent first rounders. And Essendon does not do "settling into one position".
Daniel McKenzie will be the steal of the draft, hope it’s us.
Connor Blakely
Height: 187 cm, Weight: 81 kg, DOB: 2/3/1996
Club: Swan Districts
Position: Inside Midfielder
U18 Statistics
n/a
Draft Combine
n/a
Highlights
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-11-06/draft-trumps-connor-blakely
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYsmq1_RBus
Chris25
Pick 27
Position: Midfielder
Looking at another one of the bigger name players and a possible first round selection, Connor Blakely is shaping up to be one of BigFooty’s favourites for 2014. He seems to be getting a bit of attention around the traps, and he may well be that player tipped to go in the 15-20 range that supporters jump on. And the ‘mainsteam’ media seems to getting on board too, including him in early pick discussions. On paper he is everything I look for in a midfielder, but there is something that just leaves me a little cold.
Starting with the obvious, there is no denying his performances this year. Prior to the U18 Championships, Blakely cemented a spot in the Swan Districts league side and had been averaging around 18 disposals a game. Playing against men, he hasn’t looked out of place at all and should remain playing at the top level for the rest of the season. For Western Australia, he missed two matches because of a hamstring strain but still made the All Australian side with an average of over 20 disposals and proved himself as one of the best clearance players. While some of the All Australian selections could be questioned, there is no questioning Blakely’s spot. At times he was the only thing keeping WA in the contest, and was easily their best and most consistent player.
The best thing about his season to date, is that he has played different roles for both Swan Districts and Western Australia. At the U18 Championships, he was the #1 midfielder and was in there at nearly every centre bounce and throw up. And in that role, he used his size well to get first hands on the ball and his tackling pressure was solid in close. Whereas in the WAFL, he has played a little more on the outside and has done so quite well. He seems to have a good understanding of the game, he knows where to run and then works hard to link up once the ball does come out - even if he doesn’t quite have the pace you’d ideally be after. And this outside game is worth noting, because he showed little versatility for WA. With a lack of midfield talent around him, it forced him to play the one role all Championships - something which would have been to his detriment, if he weren’t for his other tape.
So all of that sounds pretty good - a tall, contested ball winning, versatile midfielder. You can see why people are talking him up as a first round pick. And I can certainly see it too. But I personally have him in the second round, and more in the 25-30 range. All things considered, it’s not a major drop and indicates that I still think he could be a good player - there are just some similar players who I would take first.
Firstly, I was surprised that his disposal efficiency was as good as it was at the U18 Championships. The games I saw him play, he looked quite rushed with his disposal and didn’t always give himself the chance to pick the best option. A few times, he would get the ball in his hands, put his head down to run out of congestion and then blindly kick. Instead of taking it all on himself, he could have taken the first option in giving the ball out to his teammates or at least compose himself once he was in space. From a free kick though (which he seemed to get quite a few of) he was generally pretty good with his disposal. I’ll also be interested to see how his clearance game goes once he is playing against stronger opposition, I have a feeling he may be bumped off the ball a little easily with his current technique. The other area I’d like to see him improve is in going forward, particularly creating mismatches with his height. He has never really been much of a threat in the forward line, and that’s where a lot of the other midfielders in this draft are improving.
I do still think he is a good player, and would happily take him mid to late second round. But, personally I would consider top 15 to be overrating him. I suppose I look at the 2013 draft, and question who I would rather between him and Blake Acres who went at pick 19. And I would take Acres. For me, he is much closer to the likes of Trent Dumont and Nick Robertson who were picked at 30 and 34 respectively. Like Dumont, he is perhaps only an average athlete but is strong in the body and has performed well at senior level in addition to dominating against his peers.
When it comes to how much I like a player, I ask myself - would I be happy if Fremantle were to draft him? And I would be very happy to pick him with our second round, but would think I could do better in the first round.
Knightmare
Pick 20, #8 talent
Draft range: 10-30
Best position/role: Midfield – on the ball.
Strengths:
Ability to keep his feet – Blakely is exceptionally balanced. He has good strength through the legs and hips but mostly he just has excellent balance and because he is someone who maintains his balance and does not leave the ground he is as a result someone who will keep his feet in the contest, rarely if ever going to ground and in tackles also can be difficult to bring to ground.
Inside game – Showed through the U18 Championships excellent inside ability winning the contested ball, winning the clearances, reading the ruck taps well to get first hand on it, tackling strongly and moving evasively in traffic which has allowed him substantial time and space in traffic to use the ball efficiently. He gives the second and third efforts inside. Typically Blakely is someone who hits the ball at speed which gives him in traffic a really explosive feel, where he will burst away from congestion and make some evasive moves to avoid would be tacklers, then gets it away cleanly all on his own. Season one ready – Has performed and performed strongly against men at senior WAFL league level and has coped well against the stronger bodies which suggests that he can make the transition to playing from season one at AFL level.
Evasive movement in traffic – His real athletic gift that pops out at you is his explosive ability to sidestep that he uses in traffic. With his explosive sidestep he can effectively create significant time and space for himself to dispose of the ball effectively by hand and foot which particularly when playing on the ball greatly helps his disposal efficiency. He also uses quick, small steps brilliantly and frequently in traffic to also create time and space for himself as with those smaller steps he can change direction more quickly, allowing for that creation of space. He moves exceptionally quickly in traffic, just reading the drop of the ball first consistently, winning it and getting up to speed quicker than anyone else which gets him out of traffic with ball in hand, and on the move he also while accelerating and quickly change direction making him extra hard to lay a hand on.
Skillset – Blakely is an efficient user of the footy. By hand he inside the contest can work effectively as an inside extractor finding the outside runners or creating space to get a clear pass off by hand to a target in more space. By foot he will look in general play to work into space before kicking, executing his kicks to a target when he has the time and space to deliver. He has good vision finding the best the targets in best position, making good decisions and shows a willingness when he has time with ball in hand to lower his eyes and find the best targets. He also can at times use his opposite side as required. He also when tackled has the strength to release by hand to a target.
Outside game – Blakely while he played as an on-baller through the U18 Championships has relatively good outside ability for an inside player who can also outside the contest get involved in the play but also use it well.
Weaknesses:
Pace – Blakely while he has an incredible ability to create space in traffic and to sidestep guys he is not a linebreaker with only average pace and a relative lack of straightline speed.
Scoreboard impact – Blakely can on occasion hit the scoreboard through the midfield but at this stage he is not someone you would put in the forward 50 as someone who is neither a natural crumbing forward or a marking forward for him to be a real threat.
Marking ability – Blakely at this stage can take uncontested marks around the ground but is not a marking threat as some other tall midfielders are. He takes his marks cleanly and can take his marks out in front but he is not someone who generally takes his marks on the move, leaping up at the ball or taking it at the highest point which makes him slightly limited in this regard, mostly just waiting for the ball to come towards him when he is stationary. I would also categorise his hands overhead as clean but not strong or sticky hands. At this stage Blakely is relatively limited on the lead as someone who does not seem to read where the ball is going or read the drop of the ball to be a major threat on the lead. Additionally he is not a threat to take 1v1 marks or pack marks, limiting his potential to play in the front half.
What I expect will improve: I expect Blakely will continue to improve his inside game which is where he has real scope to develop but also at the same time add some further strings to his bow.
Who he can become?
Blakely through the midfield has the scope to develop into something similar to Callan Ward.
When will he be ready to play?
Blakely in my view is round one ready to play and has the opportunity from season one to establish himself as a regular part of a best team if the opening is there for a midfielder given his exceptional WAFL League performance and strong play through the U18 Championships.
How to best utilise him?
Blakely is best utilised through the midfield on the ball.
Interpretation of his numbers:
Blakely‘s numbers through the U18 Championships were excellent as WA‘s best midfielder. His disposal numbers were excellent. His contested ball winning, tackle and clearance numbers were all excellent, as was his disposal efficiency by position. His numbers at WAFL league level have been excellent similarly demonstrating strong disposal and tackle numbers against men suggesting he is capable of playing at AFL level from season one.
Paige Cardonas
Position: Midfielder
Projected draft range: 15-35
Plays like: Callan Ward
Winning All-Australian honours this year, Connor Blakely made a statement in game one of the National Championships, accumulating 26 disposals, seven tackles, nine clearances, 17 contested possessions and seven inside 50s. The Swan Districts product has featured heavily in senior WAFL games this year after making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2013, going onto average 20 disposals and two tackles a game this season. Blakely has been praised for his courage and has no qualms matching it with opposition much older than he is. He ticks the boxes in terms of tackling, contested possessions and clearances, and he can also push forward to make an impact. Blakely certainly hangs his hat on his inside game and his work around the stoppages, but that isn‘t to undersell his ability on the outside. Blakely is quick to make good decisions by hand or foot and has shown he‘s more than capable of playing in defence or up forward, adding versatility to his game.
Skippos
Pick 17, #7 talent
Skilled inside leaning MID
Range: Top 25
Comparison: Blake Acres
Connor Blakely is a skilful, agile inside midfielder with a really natural read of the game. He’s rather slender so doesn’t win his own ball by force but seems to always be a step ahead of the football. He reads the tap well to win clearances and his positioning for ground balls is exceptional. When in possession his evasion and agility in traffic is elite with his ability to sidestep and manouvre himself around opposition players a particular highlight. Lateral movement is a real point of difference for him and allows him to create space when it’s not there. On the outside he’s a good kick however not incredibly penetrating. By hand he’s able to distribute effectively both in space and in traffic. Defensively he’s accountable and he works hard both ways and as a result is able to accumulate well. His performances throughout 2014 in the WAFL seniors have been very impressive.
While outside he’s a reasonable kick inside he’s prone to bombing it long blindly to the detriment of the team. He’s also very slim so the physical pressure he provides isn’t dangerous. His tackling is good but occasionally easily shaken off. He occasionally floats out of games.
Blakely projects as a hard working sort who could be a leader at a football club. He seems the type to get the best out of himself. With a bit of extra muscle he should be able to physically impose a little more though it likely won’t ever be a strong aspect of his game. He’s a bit of a poor man’s Blake Acres with less natural ability but perhaps more leadership and a better work rate. It wouldn’t surprise if Blakely was able to impact round one 2015 however he likely won’t be a real key piece of a team until season four.
Evaluation of his prospects: Blakely projects as a safe bet. His ability to just dance and weave through congestion and create space is something that defines his game at juniors and should translate to senior football. He has the inside game to make it at AFL level while his outside game is good enough to separate him from similar inside mids. He’ll make it - and don’t be surprised if he becomes quite an exceptional player.
Bulldogs
Pick 18
All Australian at this year‘s National Championship Blakely offers Carlton a genuine inside midfielder capable of working the ball out to the likes of Gibbs & Murphy. Having played a number of games with Swan Districts seniors he showed all the attributes of a boy capable of making an immediate impact in 2015.
Emma Quayle
AFL biography: Medium Midfielder who excels at stoppages and is a prolific ball winner. Runs all day using his impressive endurance base and has good speed. Averaged 21 disposals at 79% efficiency, seven clearances and 5.5 tackles during the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was rewarded with All-Australian honours. Plays regular senior football for Swan Districts in the WAFL.
Raff Guadagnino, WAFL: “Connor is one of the most rounded people and players we’ve had this year. He watched him as a 16-year-old playing half-back and half-forward but he’s turned himself into a really good inside midfielder since then which is a really good achievement. He’s very professional, an intelligent kid who has that bit of presence about him in the group.”
Caleb Marchbank
Height: 193 cm, Weight: 85 kg, DOB: 7/2/1996
Club: Murray Bushrangers
Position: KP Defender, KP Forward
U18 Statistics
[url<a data-ipb=‘nomediaparse’ href=‘http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=196134425&client=1-3020-111726-294694-20320262’>http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=196134425&client=1-3020-111726-294694-20320262</a> [/url]
Draft Combine
n/a
Highlights
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-11-02/draft-trumps-caleb-marchbank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huKd0F7uG34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywaqw4e_DdM
Chris25
Pick 17
I’ve never been as impressed with Marchbank as others have this year. He’s the best performed tall defender, and has the best attacking/defensive balance to his game of the tall defenders. But, I don’t think the differential in talent/potential between him and other prospects is great enough to be taking him inside the top 15. Keenan Ramsey, Christian Buykx-Smith, Oscar McDonald and Daniel Nielson aren’t that far off and could be had much later.
Knightmare
Pick 23, #17 talent
Draft range: 6-25
Best position/role: Centre Half Back.
Strengths:
Ability to read the flight - Marchbank is a very good intercept mark with his excellent ability to read the flight of the ball, get to the drop zone and take the intercept mark. He seems to read it earlier off the opposition‘s boot. He has a good natural awareness for when he can and cannot leave his direct opponent.
Marking ability – Marchbank has strong hands overhead rarely dropping his marks. He attacks the ball in the air for marks and will go hard at the ball for the mark. He also is an excellent 1v1 mark, often outmuscling his opponents. He is also a very good mark on the lead when leading up from the front half.
1v1 ability - 1v1 Marchbank is excellent displaying strong ability in the contest and ability to hold his position. He has strong ability to read and protect the drop zone and is capable either marking 1v1 or getting the spoil in as appropriate.
Versatility – Marchbank down back is not limited only to playing key defence but also has the ability to play as a third tall or at times off a back flank. In addition to playing key defence Marchbank can also be used up forward and prove an effective marking target with his work on the lead particularly impressive, timing his leads well and read the flight of the ball well. He also has shown that he can play on a wing or through the midfield. And with that level of versatility there are lots of possible ways to develop Marchbank depending on the evaluation of his game.
Weaknesses:
Injury prone? - Marchbank while he played all six U18 Championships games this season has only played the four TAC Cup games this year and two in 2013 due to injury.
Athleticism – Marchbank is reasonably mobile and a reasonable leaper but is only an average athlete, he has below average explosiveness, a relative lack of closing speed and an average change of direction, and seems mostly to make up for that by reading the flight better and predicting where the ball is going early.
Footskills – Marchbank‘s footskills are below average but not unworkable. His kicks are relatively imprecise and at times lack consistency. His kicks are not overly penetrating or damaging either. His vision is limited mostly failing to identify damaging options out of the back half by foot. His decision making ability also is lacking and he can pick the wrong and sometimes unsound options coming out of the back half.
Lack of x-factor – Not that it is a problem but Marchbank is not a highlight reel player who will do anything overly eye-catching offensively that will catch your eye.
What I expect will improve:
I anticipate Marchbank to become more a key defender and work to continue to improve both as a rebounder and as a stopper.
Who he can become?
Marchbank has the scope to develop into something like Sam Fisher.
When will he be ready to play?
Marchbank has the ability from season three to start to get a taste for it but by season four I see him pushing for regular senior selection.
How to best utilise him?
Marchbank is best used at centre half back.
Interpretation of his numbers:
Strong numbers for a key defender through the U18 Championships particularly where he did an excellent job limiting the impact of his direct opponents and keeping them from achieving their usual numbers while also achieving strong numbers himself. Disposal and mark numbers are very good by position suggesting he is also getting involved as a rebounder. The primary query statistically is his disposal efficiency and specifically kicking efficiency which should be higher given he is not overly damaging by foot.
Paige Cardonas
Position: Defender/forward
Projected draft range: 5-20
Plays like: Harry Taylor
The key position swingman has caught the eye of many teams to find his draft stocks rapidly rising. Arguably the best intercept mark in the TAC Cup competition, Marchbank‘s performances at the National Championships were scintillating, whilst his TAC Cup form was consistent. He plays predominantly in defence, where his ability to read the ball in flight whether under pressure or not is exceptional. Meanwhile, his eagerness to rebound from the back half makes him a real playmaker on the counter attack. Marchbank could best be described as not too dissimilar to Jarrad Waite: he backs himself to win a contested mark, he can mark over his head when he‘s expecting contact, and uses his strength in his kicking to set up further afield. He keeps opposition forwards quiet, whilst also having a big influence on the game himself – something not many key defenders have luck doing. Given his athleticism, Marchbank could really develop into a prototype utility, playing on a wing, half-forward or half-back to fill any need required: by the same token, he does look most settled in defence.
Skippos
Pick 15, #18 talent
Intelligent key defender
Range: Top 20
Style: Brian Lake
Comparison: Jarrad Waite (as a defender)
Off the back of an excellent championships, Marchbank has bolted up the order. A key position defender who can swing forward, his one on one ability is the best in the draft. His positioning within a contested and ability to move away his direct opponent and take the grab is elite. If he cannot win he more often than not neutralises. He’s also got a good read of the ball in flight which allows him to be a genuine intercept option and picks the right time to zone off. He has the runs on the board with his opponents often shut out of games and his numbers read well.
While he does have those runs on the board I can’t help but worry about what kind of defender he’ll be at the top level. At 193cm he’s likely not going to be a #1 defender yet athletically he is average at best. His agility is ordinary and could well lead to him losing ground contests and his acceleration and pace are okay at best. An athletic forward could create real separation on him. His disposal does the job but he’s not someone who’s going to create real drive out of defence. While his disposals are rarely terrible, they also are rarely noteworthy.
Right now Marchbank is a bit of a one trick pony with his intercept and one on one game excellent but the jury is still out on the other aspects of his defensive game. Offensively he isn’t a weapon. He projects as a poor man’s Brian Lake with his intercept and one on one ability not dissimilar and he too can swing forward and have an impact. He just seems to lake the x-factor and ability to really be that wall that Lake can be in defence and is also a little less athletic. He could be ready in season two but it will be three to four seasons before he really imposes himself.
Evaluation of his prospects: Marchbank could go one of two ways. He could become the next Brian Lake - playing a high level intercept and possession game offensively while also being excellent defensively - often playing and excelling above his weight, or he could go the other way and be found out a bit defensively with his size and lack of absolute pace limiting his ability to effectively shut down elite forwards. I think Marchbank will make it - he just mightn’t be a world beater.
Bulldogs
Pick 15, KD
Trying to analyse GC needs is quite difficult, they have plenty of mid field/flanker depth and they have the 3 big talls up forward. Ideally they would like another key defender and Marchback offers a very good option as a third tall. Very good in one on one contests he has sufficient body strength to battle with a young tall forward. Currently McKenzie often fills the third tall defender role at GC however I am sure occasionally they would like another shut down defender. Warnock often played a similar role in their early years. Marchbank will be given time to develop however may get games depending on injuries to other defenders.
Bound for Glory
Written 31 July
Strengths: Speed, marking, versatility
Weaknesses: Tackling and pressure
Player Comparison: Brian Lake
Top prospects tend to dominate games at junior level. They tend to be the guys you notice and that‘s because they have some qualities that make them draftable players. Caleb Marchbank is one of those players that stands out every time you watch him. He is not elite in any one area but he is very good in multiple areas and this makes him one of the best key position players available.
Marchbank has been riddled with injuries over the last year. He played the first two games of last year before spending the next 14 months on the sidelines due to injury. However, in his comeback game against the Eastern Ranges, Marchbank put on a show for the big crowd that came to see the night game.
Marchbank played at both ends of the ground and was in absolutely everything. He cut off dangerous forward thrusts by the Ranges players, spread hard and even kicked a goal. It was just a sign of things to come as he continued to play in this manner throughout the Championships where he was named in the All-Australian team as a defender after his performances for Vic Country.
During the carnival Marchbank stamped himself as one of the most versatile players in the draft and showed that he is one of the best talls. In a draft littered with top end key position prospects, he was arguably the most impressive in the Champs as the likes of Paddy McCartin, Sam Durdin and Hugh Goddard failed to impress as consistently as Marchbank.
His main strength lies in his marking, especially reading the flight of the ball, allowing him to position himself perfectly. He has a good leap and can make contested marks look easy. He averages six marks for Murray, with 1.3 of them contested. He can take them on the lead when playing up forward but he can also take them in defence, drifting back into traffic and sticking his arms up high to pull it down.
Marchbank has a number of athletic attributes which allow him to cover the ground easily. He appears to move smoothly, with a very high work rate that sees him move to contest after contest. He looks exhausted when he comes to the bench but that is only because he works so hard and after missing much of the pre season his fitness base may also be lacking. He has good acceleration and is quite quick for a big guy which allows him to burst away from a defender, or take off from half back and rebound.
With the ball in hand he is good without being great. He makes good decisions with the footy, and his possessions generally hit their target but he doesn‘t have a bullet-like boot that can make recruiters and fans salivate. What he does have though is a good footy brain and it helps with his decision making.
It is hard to find faults with Marchbank‘s game because he seems to do everything well. He doesn‘t lay many tackles and could improve on his defensive pressure, as his closing speed and agility should allow him to put a lot of pressure on the ball carrier.
Few players in the draft have the versatility to play centre half back, centre half forward and on the wing but Marchbank is one of them. You can put him anywhere on the field and he will do the job and be one of the best players on the field. Look for his name to be called out early on draft day.
Emma Quayle
AFL biography: Competitive tall defender with excellent mobility and repeat efforts. Anticipates well in coming off his man to support his defence and is strong overhead. Can also push forward and provide a marking target for his team. Averaged 13.5 disposals, four marks and three tackles on his way to All-Australian Under-18 honours at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
Lee Fraser, Murray Bushrangers: “He’s pretty special. He’s probably squeezed a year’s worth of footy into the 10 games he played this year. He had a hip issue in 2013 and has grown dramatically in the last 18 months, but he played four games with us and six with Vic Country and hasn’t missed a beat. He hit the ground running after having that injury over summer so his rehab and conditioning were spot on, he didn’t need a game to warm up. He’s always a metre in front of his opponent, he reads the play so well.”
Jarrod Garlett
Height: 177 cm, Weight: 72 kg, DOB: 18/08/1996
Club: South Fremantle
Position: Midfielder, Winger, Utility
U18 Statistics
n/a
Draft Combine
2nd – Standing Vertical Jump
6th – Beep test
10th – Clean Hands
10th – Goal Kicking
Highlights
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-09-10/jarrod-garlett-highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iKVPb3VBcc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaZ3ZDu1C84
Benfti
Jarrod Garlett
180cms 72 kgs, Midfield, WA
He silkiest of the WA boys, just glides across the park, one of those blokes who I am keen to see his combine test results for speed because he seems to only be going at half place despite flying away from his opponent. He just weaves through traffic with excellent balance, making everyone around him look like a clumsy fool. He is good at hitting targets over that 25-30 meter range but has a tendency to miss them over further distance, hence why I rate Pickett as the better prospect of the two. Different players though.
Chris25
Pick #21
As for Jarrod Garlett, he has only played the two games at the Championships, and I wouldn’t say he has particularly shone. I haven’t seen the full game from the weekend yet, but his ball use appeared questionable from the bits I’ve flicked through. I certainly wouldn’t have him above Smith or Pickett, and doubtful I’d have him off the board before the rookie draft.
Knightmare
Pick 19, #27 talent
Draft range: 8-25
Best position/role: Midfield – outside
Strengths:
Speed and endurance – He has excellent pace and can really break the lines at speed and has that real willingness to take games on with ball in hand but he also has the endurance to compliment that pace. Garlett‘s endurance in game allows him to make many high pace efforts throughout games and it allows him to cover a lot of ground over the course of games. Garlett is not just someone who is quick on the track but he is someone who also critically uses his pace well in game. He also in game gives excellent second and third efforts as someone who when around the ball really exerts maximum effort, providing excellent tackling energy or going in to ■■■■■■ the ground balls when there is the opportunity.
Skillset – Garlett by foot is duel sided and uses it relatively well on both sides. He has very clean hands, rarely fumbling it and can pick it up cleanly of the deck and often pick it up on the move, not breaking stride and continuing to accelerate as he picks it up. His work by hand is well directed to his intended targets. He is a good finisher when within range. His footskills are silky looking and technically sound but he tends to kick at his targets rather than out in front of his targets and too often he kicks long to a contest as opposed to, to a target, so he will need to learn more to lower his eyes and start finding more targets around the ground to round out his skillset.
Production – Garlett for a damaging outside runner accumulates well and it is that mix between ability to do damage when he has ball in hand with his run and the ability to find good numbers for a player of his type that will serve him well at the next level.
Scoreboard impact – Garlett does not provide heavy scoreboard impact but he has shown both through the U18 Championships and in the WA Colts, Reserves and League competitions that he is good for a goal a game and is a relatively good finisher.
Versatility – Garlett is best suited on a wing but has also shown that he can push into the front half and provide some scoreboard impact or as required push back across half back.
Ability to read the play and the flight of the ball – Garlett is an effective intercept mark and on a wing has a good feel for when to push back behind the ball as someone who has a good sense for when to go back and help out the other defenders. He then also shows very good ability to read the flight of the ball and get to the drop of the ball to take the easy intercept mark. Garlett also has a big leap on him and will fly for the ball, really attacking the ball in the air with purpose, so while he is excellent at ground level overhead he also has some ability.
Evasive ability – Garlett has a few tricks to avoid tackles. He is when on the run with ball in hand near on impossible to chase down. He can when on the move step around guys. He occasionally sidesteps guys. In addition to his running ability he also can evade tackles by doing the occasional spin move or by offering the occasional ball fake.
Weaknesses:
Inside game – Garlett at this stage is an outside only player. He has no inside game at this stage and is not a threat to win much of his own ball, with his ball coming primarily outside the contest.
Strength – Garlett at this stage is lightly built and can get pushed off the ball and will accordingly need to put on some further muscle without losing his running ability.
Linkup ability – Garlett on the outside does not take many marks in space and is also not a reliable kick to a target at this stage as someone who feels like he lacks predictability to his teammates and tends too often with his kicks to kick long to a contest rather than to a target up the field.
What I expect will improve:
I expect Garlett to largely improve at what he does and add some but not a whole lot of muscle to his frame as someone who most critically needs to remain a linebreaker first.
Who he can become?
Garlett has a feel not unlike Travis Varcoe as that similar outside linebreaker who can at times really tear games apart with his speed.
When will he be ready to play?
Garlett may receive a taste at AFL level in season one but I expect more likely in season two or three that he establishes himself as a regular.
How to best utilise him?
Garlett is best utilised as a linebreaker on a wing.
Interpretation of his numbers:
His numbers through the U18 Championships, WA Colts and WA Reserves competitions have been strong. At WAFL League level he has only found limited ball to this point. At all levels he averages a goal a game, finding other than at WAFL League level good numbers, his tackling numbers are good and his disposal efficiency while on the low side for an outside player, given the damage he looks to do with his touches is fine.
Paige Cardonas
Pick 21
Position: Utility
Projected draft range: 20-40
Plays like: Brad Hill
Arguably the draft‘s biggest bolter after what was an incredible draft combine from the South Frematle product, where his endurance and speed were on full display, Jarrod Garlett is very similar to Hawthorn‘s Bradley Hill. Although he‘s the cousin of former Hawk Dayle Garlett, the pair are polar opposites. Garlett is lightning quick, albeit lightly framed and a fraction undersized. He is damaging, polished and is full of excitement, with his bread and butter being his dash, disposal efficiency and defensive work. He breaks lines with his run and carry, and is good enough around goal to cause headaches for the opposition. His National Championships games really threw him into the spotlight and onto the board for draft enthusiasts: subsequently, his combine results put him into late first-round calculations, looking a monty to be taken inside the top 30. More importantly, he overcame a calf injury just in time for the carnival – despite being a touch underdone – to really stamp himself as one of Western Australia‘s best and most consistent. The carnival outlined his ability to play a number of varying roles, while also highlighting his vision and awareness at the top level. Equally as impressive was his desire to work back hard, focusing on the defensive side of his game. He uses the ball well off both sides, but his consistency in the game is something that he‘s worked hard on to improve.
Skippos
Pick 23, #19 talent
Line breaking outside midfielder
Range: Top 40
Comparison: Danyle Pearce
Jarrod Garlett is a personal favourite of mine and someone I think could well be the best outside run/carry player in the draft. Someone who could be played on a wing or off any flank, he’s a speedy, agile and skilled outside mid. The comparison between he and Pickett will be flogged over the next few months but it’s a good one - both are indigenous outside speedsters from WA and have a lot in common. I prefer Garlett. When running he’s aware of the field around him and is constantly thinking about his next move unlike Pickett who just runs. If you’re picking up Garlett it’s because of his pace. And while that’s his major strength the supporting attributes are sound as well. His skills while raw are technically sound. He’s capable of nailing long range kicks but lacks a bit of consistency.
Without the ball Garlett is able to keep track of a man and does run both ways. When the team is in possession Garlett works hard to find opportunities and while he’s primarily outside he does work hard to put himself in a position to be fed the ball. Incredibly dual sided, his footskills aren’t as consistent as he’d like but there’s definitely a base to work with and if he fixes them he’ll be a real player. The next step is to work on some extra versatility and winning his own ball. Danyle Pearce is a good comparison for him and I expect Garlett to reach a similar level to Pearce at his peak.
Evaluation of his prospects: Outside players are always risky, but Garlett seems to have the workrate to get the best out of himself. Kicking off both feet also gives him a real point of difference. I don’t think he has the potential to be genuinely elite, but I’d rate his chances of making the grade as better than most outside types.
Bulldogs
11. wing/forward
Ok so West Coast having been thrown into panic need to re-evaluate. They certainly need outside speed so their options are limited, the obvious selection is Garlett however both Menadue & Cockatoo are legitimate options. The risk is if they go with the latter 2 would either be available at their 2nd pick? In the end they go with the local. Garlett has the outside speed WC craves. He has had a consistent season and shown a willingness to work hard in games. Likely to spend most of the year at local level however would expect to see him play a couple games at home latter in the year.
Emma Quayle
AFL biography: Small midfielder/forward with line breaking speed and neat disposal skills. A rare talent with the ability to break the game open, a genuine excitement machine. Excelled late in the under-18 series after overcoming injury, averaging 14.7 disposals.
Raff Guadagnino, WAFL: “Jarrod has some raw talent. He’s had some setbacks this year with minor injures but he slotted into the national championships team and was really impressive off half-back and a wing with his speed. He can play an inside or outside role and he’s one who catches people’s eyes.”
Ok, made some changes.
- Realised a few players stats were pointing to their 2013 performances, so fixed that.
- Realised I’d sometimes got the wrong rankings for Knightmare as I was taking the number from his profile, which was the order he’d written them in. Oops. Fixed this.
- Knightmare has also released a new draft ranking. I have updated for this. Many times both where he ranks a player and where he thinks they’ll be drafted has changed - sometimes substantially. If he has changed the actual profile, I’m not going through and reading line for line if he has!
- I have added Knightmare’s new detailed view on Trent McKenzie
- Chris25 has also changed his draft order
- Realised Skippos also has a talent rating different to his draft position, but I’m not going to go back and add.
- If any others have, I’ve not checked it!
Oh, and if anyone knows where I can get U18 stats for the champs, SA or WA that would be appreciated!
Oh, and if anyone knows where I can get U18 stats for the champs, SA or WA that would be appreciated!
Great work Ants!
Champs stats are at http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-20/2014-nab-afl-under18-championships-complete-stats - you'll only get averages off this though, not game by game. I could have sworn I saw a full stats page somewhere, but unfortunately my main computer died the other day and I've lost all my bookmarks. Will let you know if I ever find the page again!
Caleb Daniel
Height: 166 cm, Weight: 68 kg, DOB: 7/7/1996
Club: South Adelaide
Position: Midfielder, Forward
U18 Statistics
n/a
Draft Combine
1st – Beep test
8th – Clean Hands
Highlights
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-09-10/caleb-daniel-highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_v6hB90Noo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB5PSX3hhgE
Chris25
Pick 53
Position: Midfielder, Forward
After his last two matches at the U18 Championships, the name on everyone’s lips is Caleb Daniel so I figure it’s about time I did his profile. For anyone who follows the South Australian U18 scene, nothing about his last two weeks was a surprise. And prior to the Championships, I tipped him to take home MVP honours. Unfortunately, his injury from earlier in the season kept him out of the opening rounds and ultimately the MVP race. But I think it’s safe to say he probably would have won, had he played every game.
I’ll change things up this time, and start with his weaknesses as a player. And literally the only negative to his game, is the fact that he is 167cm. That’s it.
Last year, Daniel started the season in the U18s but quickly worked his way into the South Adelaide league side as a 166cm 16 year old. And he wasn’t just making up the numbers, as he finished the league season by playing 10 games and averaging 17 disposals. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury early this season and only made it back onto the park about 6 weeks ago now. And when he did return? Well, his combined two game total of 48 disposals, 13 tackles and a disposal efficiency of around 90% pretty much says it all.
His strengths as a footballer are pretty obvious. And I’ll use the SANFL U18 Academy testing results from the start of the year to highlight them. Caleb Daniel finished 1st in the beep test, 5th in the 3km time trial and 5th in the 20m sprint. It’s rare that you’ll get someone with both the endurance and speed to do that. And it’s even rarer when that person is a footballer, not an athlete - as shown by his top 10 finishes in both the handballing and kicking tests. Daniel can run all day, sprint away from the packs and has elite disposal. There is nobody else in this draft that can boast that. And on the park, he is even better. Ball magnet is pretty much the only way of describing him. If he sees the ball, he will inevitably get it - whether he has to go in and win it himself, or run hard to link up on the outside. When he does get the ball, he can pinpoint a short pass or kick it over 50m. And for everyone who uses his size to talk him down, they need to watch him play a lot more. He does not play as though he is 167cm. His ability to stand up in a tackle is Gary Ablett like.
Probably the most pleasing thing for me to come from the Championships, was his form around goals. If I had one question mark on him, it was a lack of a forward game and any player around the 170cm mark will be expected to spend time in a forward pocket. At the start of the year, I would have had Daniel as a midfielder and that’s it. But he showed a natural feel for where the goals are, and his tackling pressure as a small forward would be unbelievable at the top level.
So, basically for those who couldn’t be bothered reading that, Caleb Daniel is a 167cm version of Gary Ablett and destined to be the #1 pick. Right? Well, no. Obviously his height will hold him back a bit. And it’s possible that many recruiters had him as a rookie pick at best coming into the season. But any recruiter who doesn’t take note of his Championships performances and start recognising the pure footballing talent should be sacked. Caleb Daniel will not last until the rookie draft. I have no doubts he is top 5 on talent alone, there is nobody with his skill set in this draft. And as a whole, this draft isn’t looking great. If someone doesn’t pounce in the 3rd round at the absolute latest, I would be very surprised.
Just because there is nobody else his size in the AFL at the moment, it doesn’t mean there can’t be one. It’s just that nobody has ever been as good as Caleb Daniel before.
Knightmare
Undrafted, #35 talent
Draft range: Late-rookie
Best position/role: Rotational forward/midfielder.
Strengths:
Disposal efficiency – Through the U18 Championships from his three games Daniel had a rare disposal efficiency of over 90% which is staggering given he averaged 20 disposals per game over three games and his disposal efficiency at SANFL League level similarly has been outstanding.
Footskills – By foot Daniel can do it all. He is the most efficient kicking midfielder/forward you will ever see but then he is also a very damaging kick. He is the best kick to a target in this draft as someone who over short and medium distances particularly seems to just about never miss a target. He also has penetration out to 50m which as required he can use. He executes to targets perfectly both when in space on the outside or under pressure in congestion. He is a terrific playmaker in that he consistently finds the inside 50 targets or targets around the ground better positioned to generate meaningful offensive drives. He is also a capable finisher when within range from goal, he can finish with drop punts, snaps or and kick required depending on the circumstance and is a reliable converter both from field kicks and set shots. When within range from goal he consistently displays a real unselfishness whereby if he is in a low percentage position and unlikely to kick the goal he will look to find a target in better position to finish for the goal.
Vision – Daniel has excellent vision and consistently finds the best targets up the field or around the ground, he consistently lowers his eyes and because of it consistently finds the highest percentage targets around the ground and inside 50.
Decision making ability – With ball in hand Daniel just about never makes a mistake, consistently identifying the highest percentage option and hitting them by hand and foot. He will rarely kick it long to a contest or just kick it long without purpose if it is not to a target, he will generally look to with every touch identify and find the best targets around the ground.
Ability to execute under pressure – Daniel regardless of how much pressure he is under by hand and foot continues to execute his skills and hit his targets and has a real cleanness with everything he does. He just has a real composure with ball in hand, seemingly never fumbling or looking rushed. It is not even using any special evasive tricks in traffic; he just quickly identifies a good option and executes his skill to a target, no dramas. He also in general play with ball in hand will continue running, draw some opposition tacklers then last second deliver a handball out to a target which I also really like, with his timing spot on.
Endurance – Daniel out on the field is constantly on the move and never seems to stop. He is constantly running and working his man over to get into space on the outside and in traffic he is constantly on the move and buzzing around. At the draft combine he scored an elite 16.1 so this should not come as a surprise.
Inside/outside balance – Daniel to his game has a nice inside/outside balance. He is not a dominant contested ball winner and will be an outside player at the next level but he can certainly win his own ball and has good contested ball winning numbers and uses the ball particularly well in congestion but then on the outside he also has the work rate to work into space and find lots of the footy and use his run and use the ball efficiently so he is the complete package.
Weaknesses:
Small – At 167cm Daniel is by AFL standards in the extreme category of small but in saying that Brent Harvey is the same height and has no issues so while ideally he would be 15cm or 20cm taller, he still even at 167cm has a real chance to make it, particularly given his ability with ball in hand.
Pace – Daniel because he is always on the move looks quick and he can at times run around guys and take on the game with some run and carry, but he is not all that explosive which as an extreme small will be a drawback given he is more an outside type.
Not suited as a crumbing forward – Daniel can do some of the things crumbing forwards can do, he finishes well around goal, can convert from his set shots, hit targets in better positions to finish and at ground level he is terrific and clean but it is not a role I see him or being overly dominant in at AFL level with no one thing he can do deep in the front half that makes him suited to playing a crumbing forward role. Daniel is overall more a high motor guy who is better suited up the ground finding targets and accumulating rather than being locked into playing permanently in the front half.
What I expect will improve:
I do not see Daniel‘s game changing all that much other than adjusting to the AFL level game. He will continue to refine what he does but in the most part what you see is what you get.
Who he can become?
Daniel has the feel of a poor man‘s Brent Harvey as a slightly less quick and less dominant version.
When will he be ready to play?
Daniel has the ability to play from season one, and I would be inclined to say as soon as round one depending on whether the opportunity is there. He is, short and small as he is an immediate player.
How to best utilise him?
Daniel is best utilised on a forward flank, rotating up onto a wing.
Interpretation of his numbers:
Daniel‘s numbers at SANFL League level and through the U18 Championships have been outstanding. His ability to accumulate both the inside and outside ball are strong. His tackling numbers are fine. His disposal efficiency is through the roof, with a disposal efficiency of above 90% through his three games during the U18 Championships. He hits the scoreboard at a good rate. All the signs suggest that he can play from season one at AFL level and that he the size of the bodies will not be a problem given he has already proven he can play against men at SANFL League level and with his strengths skill and endurance related, his strengths will at the next level remain strengths.
Paige Cardonas
Position: Midfielder
Projected Draft Range: 70-rookie
Plays like: Brent Harvey
If you‘re good enough, you‘re tall enough. And while Port Adelaide don‘t need any more cult heroes, the Power faithful would be delighted to see the 166 cm pocket rocket fall to Alberton. Daniel does everything well, and rates among the very best in just about ever facet. However, his main downfall is that he‘s 10 cm too short, which is likely to see him fall through to the rookie draft, or potentially get completely overlooked. Nonetheless, Daniel is a terrific accumulator, tackler, goal kicker and high-level distributor. He is the Gary Ablett of the sub 170 cm players. He averaged 20 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency along with two goals, winning All Australian honours. He‘s got courage, competitiveness, consistently applies defensive pressure acts and he is a contested ball-winner. He is lightning quick and possesses a big tank. Had he been 20 cm taller, we‘d be talking about Daniel as a top-five selection, rather than a player who could just as easily go overlooked. He‘s been playing senior football with South Adelaide, but the question isn‘t his skill set: it‘s whether or not he can survive at AFL level in the long term.
Skippos
Pick 75, #25 talent
Skilled, smart and creative midfielder
Range: 35-rookie
Comparison: Dayne Zorko
There are virtually no weaknesses in his footballing ability. His size (and the associated things like wingspan etc.) is the only flaw. Apart from that he excels in absolutely everything. Athletically he’s elite. He runs a 16.1 beep. I’d be surprised if he hadn’t improved that by the combine - he’s a genuine record chance. He’s sub 3 seconds over 20 metres, at a guess I’d say he’s gone from 2.99 nearly a year ago to 2.9-2.95 now. He runs a sub 10 minute 3k. I’m not sure how many players around run a sub 15 beep, sub 10 minute 3k and sub 3 second 20 metre. I think he’s in some pretty rare company. But athletically isn’t even where he excels - it’s the mental side of the game. His kicking technique is good. He’s a good kick - nothing more. However his vision, creativity and decision making are all absolutely elite and with those mental traits his kick, while only good technically, becomes elite. By hand he’s elite - he sees targets and distributes the ball so effectively under pressure. In general his disposal under pressure is elite. He could be surrounded by opposition players in heavy traffic and he’ll hit a target lace out. Despite being a little fella he kicks the ball a fair way too and it’s pretty penetrating. On the inside he’s excellent - he’s got a great read for the ball and dives in head first without fear and extracts and distributes so well. I considered him a primarily inside leaning midfielder until the championships based on what he’s done at SANFL. But outside he’s just as good - he knows where the ball will be, gets in the right spots, runs all day and is quicker than nearly everyone. Despite being tiny he tackles with absolute ferocity and tackles in volume. And they stick. At SANFL level he’s a good tackler. I see no reason why he can’t be a ‘reasonable’ tackler at AFL level. He can’t be tackled. He dodges and weaves away from tacklers and if by chance they get a hand on Daniel will shrug them or dispose of it cleanly anyway. When he’s forward he’s a clinical finisher who knows where the goals are irrelevant of where he is. With his speed, endurance, work rate, agility and tackling proficiency he’s incredibly useful defensively while forward too. Caleb is the most talented player in the crop, it’s just so unfortunate that he’s so small. But someone with his talent will make it regardless of his height. He’s a gun, and everyone should be hoping their club picks him up.
Evaluation of his prospects: If you’re good enough, you’re big enough. Perhaps he’s not blisteringly quick but by foot he’s just beautiful and he has so many strings to his game. I think he’ll make it but there are definitely elements of football that he’ll find difficult at AFL level.
Bulldogs
Pick #36
Anyone who watched him in those Champ games earlier in the year would be willing their club to take a chance on him. At 167cm he is tiny by AFL standards. However his decision making, understanding of the game and football ability is elite. Maybe pick 36 is a little early however North have Harvey to mentor him and in Daniel they could really have a gem.
Bound for Glory
Written 10 August
Position: Midfielder/forward
Strengths: Pace, agility, endurance, core strength, disposal, inside ability
Areas of improvement: Nothing within his control
Player comparison: Dayne Zorko (more skilled version)
Caleb Daniel is a special player. On ability he‘s the best player in the draft crop, no player possesses close to the same natural talent. However, Daniel is one of the smallest players to play the game. It‘s about the one thing that can make even the best drop down the draft boards. If drafted, Daniel will be the smallest player in the AFL.
In 2013 as an underaged player he averaged 17 disposals across 10 games. An ankle injury prevented him from playing early this year but he made his way back for the second half of the championships. Despite having no match practice and very little conditioning, Daniel managed to average 20 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency, four marks, four inside 50s, five tackles, two clearances and two goals in his three games. Particularly impressive was a 27-disposal, three-goal game in round five and a 21 disposal, three-goal and 217 champion data ranking point game in round six. In three SANFL games since the championships he‘s averaged 16 disposals a game at 84 per cent efficiency.
Athletically Daniel excels. Last year he ran a 15.7 beep test, this year he reportedly ran a 16.1. There‘s every chance he‘ll break Billy Hartung‘s record of 16.6 at the combine this year and at worst he‘ll be in the all time top three. He also ran a 2.99 second 20-metre sprint last year and a 10.09 minute three-kilometre time trial, both likely to have improved throughout this year. Daniel is a very good chance of ranking in the top 10 for the 20-metre sprint, three-kilometre time trial, beep test, agility run and repeat sprints at the combine. It‘s rare that a player is elite in both sprint speed and endurance, but Daniel is.
Daniel isn‘t just an athlete though, he‘s a footballer too. Below the knees his hands are excellent and he doesn‘t ever fumble with his pickups always clean. When receiving a handball irrelevant of how poor the handball is, whether it‘s behind him, on the ground or too far in front of him he collects it cleanly without breaking stride. By hand and foot he is excellent. Not only is he technically a good kick but his vision and decision making are elite. No matter the pressure he‘s under, Daniel is able to effectively execute high degree of difficulty kicks with ease.
He spots targets in space others aren‘t able to and whether it be across his body or on the outside of his foot, he‘s able to execute the kick to perfection. By hand he‘s able to hit targets to advantage and release runners with ease. While Daniel is an excellent user of the ball in space, under pressure he‘s even better being able to always find targets even in heavy traffic. Daniel‘s ability to evade the tackle is excellent and on the rare occasion he is tackled he‘s able to get his hands free and fire off an effective handball. While Daniel‘s disposal efficiency at both SANFL and under 18 level is excellent, not only are his disposals effective but they‘re damaging; they‘re not just cheap handballs out the back or long bombs to contests, nearly every time Daniel gets the ball you can be sure his disposal is going to lead to the team being closer to a goal.
Daniel has the ability to turn hard ball gets into uncontested possessions with ease, while also regularly winning 50/50 contests leading to an inside 50 mark. He breaks games. While in the championships Daniel played more of a forward flank/outside midfielder role, at SANFL level he‘s played more of an inside role at times. He truly is a balanced midfielder and a volume accumulator. If he‘s around the play he finds a way to win the ball whether it be gut running to provide an outside link up option or burrowing in hard and winning the contested ball.
Defensively Daniel works hard. With his pace and agility he‘s able to corral and apply pressure with real intensity. He keeps track of his man and runs both ways. He‘s always looking to tackle when not in possession and despite his small stature, at under 18 and SANFL level he‘s been able to tackle with some real force and efficacy. At his size his tackling proficiency is no guarantee to translate to AFL level, but at worst with his work rate he‘ll still be able to apply pressure. There isn‘t much wrong with Daniel‘s game.
In the championships he managed six goals from three games however of those three were handball receives into on the run shots from outside 50 and one was from an uncontested mark 45 metres out that he‘d never have been allowed to get at AFL level. Before the championships he hadn‘t shown much to indicate he had a forward game and while his performances in the championships were a real step forward, two games of three goals is a small sample to be making judgments on his ability in the forward 50. The other knock on his game is that when kicking long he is prone to swinging out onto his right foot and kicking across his body instead of through the ball, something that is easily fixed.
The knock on Daniel is his height. And it‘s a big one – players of his height are traditionally looked over. While there aren‘t any players of Daniel‘s size in the AFL right now, that‘s not to say there‘s not a place for one – he is simply better than all the sub 170 players that have been rejected in the past. While at AFL level he won‘t be afforded the same freedom he is at lower levels, with his skills, athleticism and football smarts there will always be a place for him regardless of size.
Jake Neade was given a chance at 170 centimetres and Daniel, being only two centimetres smaller, would be able to perform and impact like Neade did at the absolute worst. Dayne Zorko too is a small half forward/midfielder who found a place in the league through hard work and size hasn‘t held him back. With Caleb Daniel‘s work ethic and character there‘s no reason why he can‘t defy the odds and make the grade.
Emma Quayle
AFL biography: Small forward who is a prolific ball winner and makes great decisions and executes well by hand or foot. Shows the ability to bring others into the game. Had an outstanding last three games of the under-18 championships, averaging 20 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency and two goals per game on his way to winning All-Australian honours.
Brenton Phillips, SANFL: “To me the question is, who has the courage to pick him? I know he has the courage but I’m not sure the clubs will and it will be a shame if they don’t. His game knowledge and vision is first class, the down side is he’s only 167 centimetres, but I think it would be a crying shame if he didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. He can play an inside role and really get in underneath, he has ways of finding the footy and he’s just so good at it. He came back from a pretty major ankle injury and we nursed him along, but he just tore training apart and had one of the best three-game cameos in the championships that I’ve seen.”
Far out I want Daniel.
We better rookie him.
Far out I want Daniel.
We better rookie him.
As much as the hype around him is amazing. We don't have the space on the rookie list. We desperately need ruckman.
With Steinberg and Aylett and Jake Long already committed to for the list it leaves one active spot.
Now if someone pick Long in the ND there is a chance and if the rumours about Chappie are true there is a chance but we just don't have the space in terms of list needs.
People do realise we haven’t yet committed to Long? All we have done is given ourselves the option. We don’t have to use it.
People do realise we haven't yet committed to Long? All we have done is given ourselves the option. We don't have to use it.
Of course you realise Ants, we did our best to hide his talent so to set up getting him cheaply via the rookie draft
and there's no way in hell we now wouldn't? :P
(GHF)
If we’ve been hiding him, all for the good. I just remember how the last Long turned out. Another year in the VFL wouldn’t have hurt then at all.
If we've been hiding him, all for the good. I just remember how the last Long turned out. Another year in the VFL wouldn't have hurt then at all.
I seem to recall his problem was that absolutely everything hurt him.
If we've been hiding him, all for the good. I just remember how the last Long turned out. Another year in the VFL wouldn't have hurt then at all.
I don't think it was that he couldn't play..... (and he had an extra year in U18s after being available to be drafted the year earlier)
I would pick Daniel at pick 17 or 20. Smart players are tall enough.
That‘s certainly an innovative way to ensure we have enough money left over for Chappy.I would pick Daniel at pick 17 and 20.
I would pick Daniel at pick 17 and 20. Smart players are tall enough.
Could possibly get more free kicks than Ben McGlynn or Kieran Jack........ummm maybe not.
That's what we thought when we got Chappy. Ever since he put on an Essendon jumper he stopped getting free kicks.
Could possibly get more free kicks than Ben McGlynn or Kieran Jack........ummm maybe not.I would pick Daniel at pick 17 and 20. Smart players are tall enough.
I figured that was just how it felt, but nope. 2012 played 21 games for 23 frees, barely played in 2013, this year 20 games for 10 frees which is the least free kicks he's received in any year where he's played over 10 games.