mock draft 2015

[saynta]

Parish at 7

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/a ... 7433319073

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1. JACOB WEITERING

Dandenong Stringrays/Mt Eliza

Height: 195cm

Weight: 90kg

Weitering firmed as a top three selection thanks to outstanding form for the AFL Academy against AFL-listed players in two games against VFL opposition in April. He did nothing throughout the championships to suggest the hype is not justified. Weitering’s strength is his contested marking ability, but his ball distribution is also first class. His ability to intercept mark and then swing on to his right foot and hit a target makes him a dual threat. He was even thrown into the forward line at times, underling his potential as an AFL swingman in the future.

2. JOSH SCHACHE

Murray Bushrangers/Seymour

Height: 199cm

Weight: 96kg

Schache was a standout selection for the Larke medal as the best player in Division 1 with 24 goals in six games. He nailed eight against WA, plus bags of five and six against SA. Schache is strong through the core and is commanding in the air when set. His kicking action is simple, yet very effective. He has a big tank, is mobile for his size and can help out in the ruck when required. He models his game on Travis Cloke.

Jacob Weitering kicks the ball for Victoria Country at Simonds Stadium against South Aust

Jacob Weitering kicks the ball for Victoria Country at Simonds Stadium against South Australia. Picture: Colleen Petch.

3. AARON FRANCIS

West Adelaide/Loxton North

Height: 190cm

Weight: 86kg

Francis monstered the opposition at times during the carnival and put his name up in lights with 22 disposals and four goals against WA in SA’s third game. He was used all over the ground during the championships, but looks most at home as a defender. His strength is his ability to intercept the ball and this is what makes him a prospective top pick. He’s grown in confidence over the past 12 months and this shows on the field. He is not yet an elite midfielder at this level and he needs to build his tank. Some question whether he is big enough to be a key defender at AFL level, others insist his leap allows him to play taller than 190cm.

4. CALLUM MILLS

North Shore

Height: 186cm

Weight: 80kg

Mills is a competitive and combative midfielder who has been a part of the Sydney Swans academy program since he was 13 years old. His family’s friendship with Swans chairman Andrew Pridham prompted his switch from rugby union to AFL. He was crowned All-Australian at Under 18 level in 2014, but a shin injury prevented him from captaining NSW/ACT in this year’s carnival. He will play his first game of the season, for the Swans NEAFL side, in the coming weeks. Mills is likely to draw a bid from a rival club, but is almost certain to remain a Swan. He will cost Sydney its first pick, at least.

Callum Mills missed the national championships with a shin injury. Photo: Justine Walker.

Callum Mills missed the national championships with a shin injury. Photo: Justine Walker.

5. JACOB HOPPER

North Ballarat/Leeton-Whitton

Height: 186cm

Weight: 82kg

Hopper is a midfield bull, who can go forward and take a strong mark. He skippered NSW/ACT in the championships and is a member of the GWS Giants Academy, but has played for TAC Cup club North Ballarat since boarding at St Patrick’s College. He averaged 26 disposals across three games in the carnival and has kicked 15 goals in six games for the Rebels this year, including a bag of five. Hopper is another who looks certain to be snapped up under the academy bidding system.

6. SAM WEIDEMAN

Eastern Ranges/Vermont

Height: 196cm

Weight: 91kg

The athletic forward with strong AFL bloodlines missed the entire carnival when a previous ankle stress injury flared. He hopes to return to play in the TAC Cup finals series, but may not play again this year. At the front of recruiter’s minds will be a bag of five opposed Dandenong Stringrays and Vic Country defender Kieran Collins. He also kicked two goals and took five marks in a breathtaking first quarter playing against the Northern Blues for the AFL Academy on the MCG. A healthy medical report will make Weideman a draft bargain.

7. DARCY PARISH

Geelong Falcons/Winchelsea

Height: 181cm

Weight: 73kg

Parish missed the first two games of the championships but returned for the third fixture and was consistent throughout the carnival. He was quiet in the home win over SA, but bounced back with his best performance in the final game with 25 disposals and 148 ranking points. He’s quick, plays with bounce and penetrates with his disposal. He was All-Australian in his bottom age year and would be on the wish list of every club. He could easily slide up this board with hot form in the second half of the season.

Darcy Parish looks one of the best midfielders in the draft. Photo by Quinn Rooney.

Darcy Parish looks one of the best midfielders in the draft. Photo by Quinn Rooney.

8. RHYS MATHIESON

Geelong Falcons/Bell Park

Height: 185cm

Weight: 79kg

In his own words, grunt is what Rhys Mathieson brings to the midfield. The Geelong Falcon is a contested footy winning beast, he averaged six clearances for Victoria Country and models his game on Joel Selwood. Mathieson might not be as polished as some of the other midfielders in this list, but he’s the sort of player coaches want in their side. He had another outstanding carnival and is a big reason why Country was undefeated. He’s a winner and plays like one.

9. HARRY McKAY

Warragul/Gippsland Power

Height: 200cm

Weight: 85kg

An athletic tall forward who has shot up the draft board with impressive early season TAC Cup form. In his first season for Gippsland, McKay has kicked 15 goals from seven games, including four against a Dandenong defence boasting Jacob Weitering and Kieran Collins. He enhanced his reputation with a solid championships playing in front of Josh Schache, where he worked between the arcs and impressed with his mobility and agility. He is one of the youngest players eligible for this year’s draft and is considered to have significant upside.

10. MATTHEW KENNEDY

Collingullie-GP

Height: 187cm

Weight: 84kg

A creative goal kicking midfielder who hails from the Riverina area and joined the GWS Giants academy this year. He missed the national championships with a knee injury that is likely to sideline him for the remainder of the season. However, he dominated for the NSW/ACT Rams through five games against TAC Cup opposition earlier this year, averaging 23 disposals. With Kennedy joining Hopper in first round calculations, it presents a delicate situation for the Giants should they wish to retain both players.

North Adelaide’s Ryan Burton working hard at his rehabilitation. PHOTO: DAVE CRONIN

North Adelaide’s Ryan Burton working hard at his rehabilitation. PHOTO: DAVE CRONIN

11. CALLUM AH CHEE

South Fremantle/Klemscott

Height: 182cm

Weight: 71kg

Ah Chee probably didn’t have the carnival he was hoping for, but for periods he looked every bit the top ten pick. He was used in a variety of roles, but was his best playing in a high half forward position where his speed and smarts creates space. His best game came in the upset win over Vic Metro. He can do the miraculous, but he also tackles, chases and pressures. Importantly, he’s a good decision maker and brings others into the game. He was named best on ground for the AFL Academy against the Northern Blues in April and pulled down a massive mark.

12. RYAN BURTON

North Adelaide/PHOS Camden

Height: 191cm

Weight: 90kg

Burton looked a future first round selection after starring for SA in the national champs and in four senior SANFL games for the Roosters last year. However, he suffered a complicated knee fracture in August last year and has not played since. He’s a skilful lead up forward and clubs will be watching his progress intently when he returns to the field later this season.

13. HARLEY BALIC

Sandringham Dragons/Parkdale

Height: 186cm

Weight: 80kg

Balic is a junior basketball star who was added to the level two AFL Academy program after his first season of elite underage football with the Sandringham Dragons. He’s moved from the forward into a midfield role this season and models his game on Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury. He averaged 21 disposals in his first crack at the national championships and was rewarded with All-Australian selection. Balic is a player with enormous upside who could rise up the charts in the second half of the season as his exposure at this level increases.

Harley Balic fires a handball away against Western Australia. Photo by Daniel Wilkins.

Harley Balic fires a handball away against Western Australia. Photo by Daniel Wilkins.

14. ERIC HIPWOOD

Aspley/Caloundra

Height: 200cm

Weight: 86kg

Hipwood is tall and athletic with amazing agility for his size, but he is still slight. He was used at either end of the ground during the championships, kicking four goals in a quarter against Tasmania before gathering 24 disposals off halfback in the very next match. He is a member of the Brisbane Lions academy and has played five games for the club at NEAFL level this year.

15. LUKE PARTINGTON

Norwood/Tumby Bay

Height: 182cm

Weight: 75kg

Partington is a ball magnet, who most importantly uses the footy well. He was a star for SA in the national championships, averaging 23 disposals on his way to All-Australian selection. He needs to work on his transition running but a debut at senior SANFL level can’t be far away. The SA clubs should have picks around this mark.

16. JOSH DUNKLEY

Sale/Gippsland Power

Height: 189cm

Weight: 82kg

The son of Sydney champ Andrew, Josh Dunkley, overcame a back injury to play the final two games of the carnival for Vic Country. He’s a versatile player, but looks most at home playing across halfback and in the midfield. Dunkley is eligible to join the Swans under the father-son rule, but could yet throw his name in to the draft.

Josh Dunkley returned from a back injury to play two games for Victoria Country. Picture:

Josh Dunkley returned from a back injury to play two games for Victoria Country. Picture: Colleen Petch.

17. DARCY TUCKER

Horsham Saints/North Ballarat Rebels

Height: 184cm

Weight: 78kg

Tucker won All-Australian honours playing off halfback for Vic Country last year, but struggled to recapture the same form when he moved into the midfield early in the championships. However, he finished the carnival strongly and remains highly rated. His strengths will be suited to the modern game. He’s got speed, can break the lines and uses the ball well.

18. BEN KEAYS

Redlands/Morningside

Height: 185cm

Weight: 82kg

Keays is a combative midfielder not blessed with great speed, but he does the little things well. He averaged 33 disposals representing Queensland across four TAC Cup games and won Hunter-Harrison Medal as the Division 2 best player in the national championships, averaging 28 touches and five clearances. He oozes leadership and models his game on Simon Black. Keays is a member of the Brisbane Lions academy, but his future may lay elsewhere depending on the club’s priorities at the end of the year.

[FQF]

Looks like we'll nab a great midfielder.

[saintsRrising]

With our first pick anywhere from 3-8 (and more likely closer to 8 than 3) it looks like we should get a good mid.

[gringo]

Its funny the differences in where the rate these guys. Parish looks the goods but he is tiny. He makes Geary look like He-man. I like Balic and would love him to fall to our second pick. Some have Mathieson falling into the teens even. A lot have jumped off Francis lately after a bit of a ordinary form and bad body language.

[chook23]

Its funny the differences in where the rate these guys. Parish looks the goods but he is tiny. He makes Geary look like He-man. I like Balic and would love him to fall to our second pick. Some have Mathieson falling into the teens even. A lot have jumped off Francis lately after a bit of a ordinary form and bad body language.

Like to explain............

[bergholt]

With the new Academy bidding system, first round picks will slide a bit. Based on the current ladder and that draft:

1: Brisbane - Jacob Weitering
2: Gold Coast - Josh Schache
3: Carlton - Aaron Francis
4: Sydney - Callum Mills
5: GWS - Jacob Hopper
6: Melbourne - Sam Weideman
7: Essendon - Darcy Parish
8: St Kilda - Rhys Mathieson
9: Port Adelaide - Harry McKay
10: GWS - Matthew Kennedy
11: North Melbourne - Callum Ah Chee
12: Geelong - Ryan Burton

So even though we'd be in line for pick 6, in fact that will probably slide to pick 8. Not sure we really want Mathieson as he's a little too similar to what we have, but I'm sure we'll just grab the best player available and be done with it.

[Bunk_Moreland]

Preference in order

Parish
Mathesion
Dukley
Balic
Tucker

We have to nab one of those and if we do I'll be happy.

If we could get another Lonie type @41 or a nice Sinclair type rookie, I wouldn't be too upset either

[Con Gorozidis]

If Sydney end up with Heeney and Mills it just seems so unfair.

Parish then Ah Chee for me for our first pick.

He can do the miraculous, but he also tackles, chases and pressures. Importantly, he’s a good decision maker and brings others into the game.

[bergholt]

If Sydney end up with Heeney and Mills it just seems so unfair.

Would they have existed as AFL players if Sydney's academy hadn't existed? I don't know the answer but if it's no then they deserve to benefit.

Heeney was relatively cheap but they'll pay through the nose for Mills if he's that good. Could potentially cost them three picks - round 1, round 2, round 3. If GWS want to take both the academy boys in the first round then they won't have another pick before 60 for a couple of years. This system looks a bit fairer to me.

[gringo]

Its funny the differences in where the rate these guys. Parish looks the goods but he is tiny. He makes Geary look like He-man. I like Balic and would love him to fall to our second pick. Some have Mathieson falling into the teens even. A lot have jumped off Francis lately after a bit of a ordinary form and bad body language.

Like to explain............

I haven't watched much but on Big footy people have said just that- that he looks like he's drifting out to a possible second rounder. I like his intercept marking from the available footage but better judges than me have started jumping off him. Sounds like Brendan Goddard mark II in attitude too.

[Old Mate]

Mathieson won't drift much. If by teens you mean 13 then possibly but unlikely. Darcy Tucker may drift a bit further tho.

[Devilhead]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to post the info though

[Old Mate]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to collate the info though

I appreciate your effort but unfortunately it won't work on this site. This forum is a scatter gun with a lot of people wanting to be heard so they create their own topic.

[borderbarry]

If other clubs bid on the Academy players it alters the numbers but does not interfere with the order in which players are taken. And by the end of the first round it should have evened itself out, unless GWS or Sydney are forced to take more than one of their Academy players in the first round.

From the Saints point of view I fancy either Parish or Collins with our first pick, and if we get a pick at the end of the first round either through trading or drafting, I would fancy a fast mid, then with our second pick either another fast mid or a big defender, depending on who we took with our first pick. I am hoping we can claim Bailey Rice with our third round pick which would be a good result.

[Devilhead]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to collate the info though

I appreciate your effort but unfortunately it won't work on this site. This forum is a scatter gun with a lot of people wanting to be heard so they create their own topic.

Yes no doubt - worth a try though and the mods could always merge this thread into the other when they get the chance

Just makes sense to keep all the trade and draft talk under one fat tarpaulin but there isnt a lot of sense here at the best of times

[Armoooo]

Would love Parish with pick 4-7, I would be pretty happy but I would be over the moon if we could upgrade our second pick to get Kieran Collins.

[The Linton Street Flash]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to post the info though

I'm fascinated to know how the hell it bothers you where this is posted? I have lost count of how many posts I see on this board of people telling others where they should or should not post.

Dont mean to be a prick but surely you have more valuable things to do with your time than directing forum traffic?

[saynta]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to post the info though

Thanks mate. I had never noticed the sticky, but I will heed your advice. I did have a quick look but thought was the first to post a link to a phantom draft this year. Oh well, but I can assure you my intentions were honourable and I was not out seeking personal glory as was suggested following your post.

[Devilhead]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to post the info though

I'm fascinated to know how the hell it bothers you where this is posted? I have lost count of how many posts I see on this board of people telling others where they should or should not post.

Dont mean to be a prick but surely you have more valuable things to do with your time than directing forum traffic?

Why start a draft thread when there is already one up and running? One place where posters can go receive all there draft and trade rumours and news

Do you keep your beers in one fridge or do you have have them scattered around in varying cools spots around your house?

The concept of keeping mock drafts or draft/trade rumours or any up to date news into one nice thread makes it easier for those that are interested in reading this information

And yes I keep my beer in one fridge so when I invite friends over they know where to get one

[Devilhead]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to post the info though

Thanks mate. I had never noticed the sticky, but I will head your advice. I did have a quick look but thought was the first to post a link to a phantom draft this year. Oh well, but I can assure you my intentions were honourable and I was not out seeking personal glory as was suggested following your post.

Hey no problem glad you posted the link anyway - if we win a few more our decision on who to take is unlikely to be clear cut - can be tricky picking around that 7 to 14 mark

[asiu]

Could have sworn there is a Trade and Draft Thread sticky at the top of the page - would benefit everyone if we could keep all this information in that sticky thread

Thanks for taking the time to collate the info though

I appreciate your effort but unfortunately it won't work on this site. This forum is a scatter gun with a lot of people wanting to be heard so they create their own topic.

Yes no doubt - worth a try though and the mods could always merge this thread into the other when they get the chance

Just makes sense to keep all the trade and draft talk under one fat tarpaulin but there isnt a lot of sense here at the best of times

post a link to 'this thread' into the Sticky + a wee pre amble on content = job done.

[Griggsy]

Acadamies do my head in

[SaintWodonga]

I hope Gilbo gets picked up via free trade, we get compo pick (wishing) picks 5 & 6 Parish & Mathesien... Am I dreaming or possible?

[dragit]

I hope Gilbo gets picked up via free trade, we get compo pick (wishing) picks 5 & 6 Parish & Mathesien... Am I dreaming or possible?

We might get a pick in the 40-50's for Gilbert if he left as a free agent.

[Teflon]

Don't want Parish to small..