Mid Season Draft

[Impatient Sainter]

Saints have to nail the mid season draft and pick up a much needed young ruckman early in the draft.

If they all nominate there are a number of good rucking 19 yo options Edwards, Moyle, Podhajski & Heath.

I just watched the Collingwood v Coburg game featuring Ned Moyle. Moyle rucked against to a much heavier opponent but held his own and is a really good tap ruckman He follows his work up with solid ground level work with quick and creative hands. Needs to work on his over head marking but that will come as he grows into his frame. Given that he has been playing VFL for the Pies I wouldnt be surprised if they picked him up.

I have previously raised Coburgs Marcus Lentini as an option, well we can put a line through his name as he very ordinary disposal by foot. Definitely not AFL standard.

Darby Hipwell would be our most likely midfield option at the draft. A local talent he has played a couple of games for Sandringham Zebras and done well. He was also one of the best players in the Rep game against the Geelong VFL.

[Impatient Sainter]

Davo-27 on BF has the following 19 year olds in his early top 35, overall rankings in his top 35 on the left.

18. Chance Doultree - Gippsland - 183cm 74kg (19)
21. Luis D'Angelo - Gippsland - 184cm 85kg (19)
22. Dylan Thomas - Oakleigh - 187cm 77kg (19)
28. Jacob Edwards - Sandringham - 202cm 83kg (19)

[Impatient Sainter]

Oliver Davis - (TAS) again shows his wares as an inside midfielder, he is more your hard work, in and under type, probably needs to improve his athleticism side of his game, but is doing quite well again at NAB League after he was really good in 2019 and good in the TSL in 2020, if he had more leg speed he would be valued more highly.

Cody Raak - (Western Jets) is playing well as that medium sized defender, cleaning up the contests and creating a lot of rebound out of defense.

Noah Gribble - (Geelong) also having a good season after his knee injury, is averaging good numbers in poss, marks and r50.

Chance Doultree - (Gippsland) a 19 year old that has come from nowhere to put in some impressive performances, i might have gone a bit too high with my initial rating, but i do like how he plays and has put in 3 good games to start the season.

Luis D'Angelo - (Gippsland) another 19 year old that has come from nowhere to be a decent option, he has had a couple good games and put his name up there.

Jacob Edwards - (Sandringham) another 19 year old to put their hand up, so much so that he has over shadowed Max Heath in the ruck, although there is not a huge difference between them in the ruck, Edwards is much better around the ground and can play forward kicking a good number of goals so far this season compared to Max who seems more Tap orientated big bodied ruck

Max Heath - (Sandringham) had some wraps off of a pre-season game last year, he seems good in the ruck with his tap work, but is limited around the ground, good luck beating Sandringham in the ruck this season, with Edwards and Heath, then you have Visenti as a 3rd option, they are blessed with rucks and probably have 2 of the best rucks if not the best in the NAB this year.

Sam Clohesy - (Calder) another to come from nowhere to impress for Calder playing a couple good games and putting his name out there as 1 to look out for

Ewan MacPherson - (Northern) he is a good competitor, his disposal is a bit wayward, but he is worth mentioning as he has F/S connections to the Bulldogs and knows how to win the footy

Dylan Thomas - (Oakleigh) was impressive in the game against Eastern where he kicked 4 goals and looked like he would fit into an AFL team quite comfortably, need to see more of his games, but as an early call, he has something about his game as a small forward he seems very creative, strong mark and good converter.

Luke Cleary - (Sandringham) has been dominating for Sandy in defence, must be a good chance to get drafted at some stage

Darby Hipwell - (Sandringham) has been good for Sandy as well so far, solid midfielder and has added to the impressive depth at Sandringham this season

Ned Moyle - (Oakleigh) in the top 4 rucks in the NAB League from what i have seen so far this year

Eren Soylemez - (Sandringham) dangerous forward for Sandy is playing how i would expect Howes to be playing its hard to follow all of the games with the NAB League app not working all the time and only parts of games available live ect, but i have liked these 19 year olds so far, it has been hard to rank them, but heres a list of players i have liked the look of.

[Impatient Sainter]

WAFL mature agers post-R3

Luke Strnadica (EF) - Has been on a list before, was stuck deep in the ruck pecking order at Freo. Has flourished since Jon Griffin retired as EF's #1 ruck.
Sam Fisher (SD) - unsure how he'd do not being the #1 mid choice, but he's got great hands, decent run and carry, and can hit a target by foot
Cody Ninyette (SF) - needs to be given a chance. He's only 23, has kicked 12 goals in 3 weeks. All he does is create goalscoring opportunities. He's strong for his size, and could absolutely make a different at the highest level.
Josh Schoenfeld (EF) - you wouldn't believe he was a wingman at AFL level. Handy on the inside, good by foot
Greg Clark (S) - should have been drafted as junior, can play inside and win the footy, outside and deliver it well by foot
Noah Pegoraro (WP) - everyone has their favourites, this kid is mine. 194cm key defender, plays tall, good leap (can pinch hit in the ruck), reads the play well.

Others to look at: Bailey Rogers (C), Harrison Marsh (S), Jack Buller (C), Jonathon Marsh (EF), Jake Patmore (C), Matthew Parker (SF), Lachlan Martinis (C)

Players with talent who probably don't have the points of difference to get drafted: Jye Bolton (C), Tyler Keitel (WP), Haiden Schloithe (SF), Milan Murdock (EF)

[Impatient Sainter]

MID-SEASON DRAFT SUPERRANKINGS

Players who nominated for last year’s draft who have had big starts to the year.

VFL

Ranking, Player, Club, CD Position, 2021 Games, 2021 Ave. KFC SuperCoach Points

1. Matthew Hanson (Werribee), MID, 2 games, 142 points

2. Nathan Freeman (Frankston), MID, 2 games, 128 points

3. Brayden Crossley (Southport), RUCK, 2 games, 124 points

4. William Fordham (Frankston), MID, 2 games, 120 points

5. Jackson McLachlan (Geelong), FWD, 1 game, 119 points

SANFL Seniors

Ranking, Player, Club, CD Position, 2021 Games, 2021 Ave. KFC SuperCoach Points

1. Jack Hayes (Woodville-West Torrens), FWD, 4 games, 148 points

2. Tom Lewis (Sturt), MID, 4 games, 116 points

3. James Tsitas (Woodville-West Torrens), MID, 4 games, 106 points

4. Hayden Sampson (South Adelaide), MID, 4 games, 94 points

5. Mitchell Duval (West Adelaide), DEF, 4 games, 93 points.

WAFL Seniors

Ranking, Player, Club, CD Position, 2021 Games, 2021 Ave. KFC SuperCoach Points

1. Jye Bolton (Claremont), MID, 3 games, 133 points

2. Samuel Fisher (Swan Districts), MID, 3 games, 130 points

3. Luke Strnadica (East Fremantle), RUCK, 3 games, 129 points

4. Bailey Rogers (Claremont), MID, 3 games, 124 points

5. Frank Anderson (Swan Districts), MID, 3 games, 117 points


NAB League

Ranking, Player, Club, CD Position, 2021 Games, 2021 Ave. KFC SuperCoach Points

1. Cody Raak (Western Jets), DEF, 3 games, 163 points

2. Joel Trudgeon (Northern Knights), MID, 3 games, 139 points

3. Patrick Parnell (Murray Bushrangers), DEF, 3 games, 132 points

4. Oliver Davis (Tasmanian devils), MID, 2 games, 129 points

5. Ewan Macpherson (Northern Knights), MID, 3 games, 123 points

WAFL Colts

Ranking, Player, Club, CD Position, 2021 Games, 2021 Ave. KFC SuperCoach Points

1. Jack Avery (Perth), DEF, 2 games, 181 points

2. Brodie Kitchingman (Peel Thunder), MID, 2 games, 126 points

3. Kobe Farmer (Peel Thunder), FWD, 1 game, 124 points

4. Jed Kemp (Subiaco), MID, 3 games, 120 points

5. Edward Curley (East Fremantle), FWD, 1 game, 113 points

[Impatient Sainter]

Herald Sun Top 20 Mid Season Draft Prospects.

Jacob Edwards

Age: 18
Height: 202cm
Weight: 83kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons

Position: Key Forward/Ruck

Opposition clubs believe it is already a done deal that Edwards will find his way to North Melbourne with pick No.1 in the mid-season draft. Edwards is still completing Year 12 studies at Mentone Grammar this year, but recruiters believe he is capable of slotting in and playing a few games for the struggling Kangaroos in the back half of the season. An exciting prospect, the mobile big man has a good pair of hands in the air, is a nice left-foot kick and is highly capable both playing in the ruck and as a key forward. Edwards averaged 12 disposals, 3.7 marks, 14.3 hitouts, 1.7 goals, 5.3 score involvements and 107 KFC SuperCoach ranking points in his first three games of the NAB League season with the Dragons.

Ned Moyle

Age: 19
Height: 205cm
Weight: 87kg

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/Collingwood VFL

Position: Ruck

A competitive young ruckman, Moyle has caught the eye of recruiters this year and shapes as a top tall prospect for the mid-season draft. A member of the NAB AFL Academy squad, Moyle also won a place on Collingwood’s VFL Development List at the start of the year. He played the first three games for the Chargers in the NAB League and impressed and was one of the top-ranked ruckmen in the competition, averaging nine disposals, 27.7 hitouts (9.7 to advantage), 1.7 clearances and 3.7 score involvements. But it is what Moyle has been able to do at a higher level that has elevated him after a strong showing in the AFL Academy game against Geelong’s VFL side, followed by some VFL outings for Collingwood. On the hunt for a ruckman, Gold Coast might be keen but the Magpies could well snap up Moyle before the Suns get a pick.

Zavier Maher

Age: 19
Height: 184cm
Weight: 82kg

Club: Murray Bushrangers

Position: Forward/midfielder

There is a conspiracy theory floating around opposition club recruiting circles that Carlton might be ‘hiding’ Maher. The speedy and powerful midfielder and crafty forward has been unsighted this year due to a knee injury, which was originally thought to be a short-term issue but has dragged on. A Shepparton product, Maher trained with Carlton for 10 weeks over summer after surprisingly being overlooked in last year’s draft. He missed a list spot then through the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period, but had been living with Carlton’s wellbeing manager Lillian O’Sullivan and had been given some indication that the mid-season draft could be an option. Likened to West Coast captain Luke Shuey, Maher finished fourth in the 20m sprint test at last year’s Vic Metro draft combine. Some opposition clubs rate Maher highly but won’t take the risk in the mid-season draft given he has been unseen this year, leaving the door wide open for the Blues.

Will Bravo

Age: 19
Height: 181cm
Weight: 77kg

Club: Dandenong Stingrays

Position: Forward/midfielder

Described by recruiters as “a real goer”, Bravo continues to attract some interest from multiple clubs. He trained at Hawthorn during pre-season in search of a list spot through the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period and ultimately missed out, but he was given a hint that the Hawks could consider him again at the mid-season draft table. Bravo missed Round 1 with the Stingrays with a head knock, but has been solid since. A hard-at-it competitor, he recorded 10 tackles along with 17 disposals in Round 4 of the NAB League and also caught the eye with a solid match in the Colgate Young Guns game in early May. If the mid-season draft does not work out, clubs will certainly still have Bravo on their watch lists for the end of the year.

Felix Flockhart

Age: 19
Height: 202cm
Weight: 80kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons

Position: Forward/ruck

Flockhart is a big boy with potentially big upside and has attracted some interest despite limited football exposure. A gifted athlete, Flockhart can play forward or ruck and has a good set of hands. He impressed for Brighton Grammar during the 2019 APS season and was set to join Sandringham’s NAB League and VFL programs last year but that did not eventuate after the seasons were scrapped due to COVID-19. Flockhart showed a few glimpses of his talent in the Colgate Young Guns game, but didn’t have a big match. Clubs are intrigued, but whether they need to see more from Flockhart before taking a punt on him remains to be seen.

Max Heath

Age: 18
Height: 204cm
Weight: 94kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons

Position: Ruck/forward

Heath is seen as one of the best chances in the mid-season draft, attracting no shortage of interest from AFL clubs. He was a late draft bolter last year who was interviewed by six clubs, despite having only played one NAB League game in 2019 and none in 2020. The interest has only risen since after a strong start to the year. A very mobile big man with an “intimidating” presence in the ruck, Heath is strong in the air and is also remarkably good at gathering the ball at ground level given his size. Before last season was wiped out due to COVID-19, Heath was seen as a likely starting ruck option for Vic Metro at the national championships. He had 21 disposals and 31 hitouts in his first game for the Dragons this season and 17 disposals and 25 hitouts in his second game. He’s also a fierce competitor, having laid 11 tackles across those first two matches.

Cody Raak

Age: 18
Height: 192cm
Weight: 80kg

Club: Western Jets/Footscray VFL

Position: Defender

Raak was nominated as a Next Generation Academy player for the Western Bulldogs ahead of last year’s draft, but never got snapped up by the Bulldogs – or anyone else. A mid-sized defender, he has been likened to St Kilda’s Callum Wilkie and is seen to be a player with a wide range of attributes. A hot start to the season has put Raak right back on the radar of clubs ahead of the mid-season draft, or as a prospect for the end of the year. After Round 3, Raak was the top-ranked player in the NAB League, averaging a massive 163 KFC SuperCoach ranking points along with 27.3 disposals, six marks and 10.3 intercept possessions. He has since gone on to play VFL football after being included on Footscray’s VFL Development List and caught the eye in the Colgate Young Guns game with his versatility after kicking two second-half goals following a solid first half in the backline. Raak trained with the Bulldogs in pre-season. Could he be back at Whitten Oval after the mid-season draft? Maybe.

Corey Preston

Age: 18
Height: 181cm
Weight: 77kg

Club: Eastern Ranges

Position: Forward/midfielder

Preston leapt out of nowhere to be a draft bolter last year, having been playing junior and senior football at Ferntree Gully in 2019 before catching the eye in Eastern Ranges trials last year. A strong overhead mark for his size, Preston is also a good kick and has serious speed, clocking 3.03 seconds for the 20m sprint at combine testing last year. In his first ever NAB League game this season, Preston only further elevated himself with 18 disposals, five marks, four goals, two score assists and 156 SuperCoach ranking points in a performance that could not be ignored. That came after he had trained with the Western Bulldogs over pre-season in search of a list spot through the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. Certainly a player to watch.

Ben Crocker

Age: 24
Height: 185cm
Weight: 84kg

Club: Carlton VFL

Position: Forward/midfielder

A former Collingwood and Adelaide player who has featured in 33 AFL games, Crocker was delisted by the Crows at the end of last year and returned home to Melbourne where he signed with Carlton’s VFL team. After four rounds, he was an equal-leader on the VFL goalkicking table with 16 majors and looks to be doing everything right to push his case for a football lifeline with a third AFL club. He kicked seven goals against Brisbane in Round 2 and had an incredible 13 score involvements from 15 touches in that match. Crocker only turned 24 in February, so age is on his side. A mid-season draft selection might be unlikely, but some recruiters say it should not be ruled out.

Wylie Buzza

Age: 25
Height: 199cm
Weight: 100kg

Club: Werribee VFL

Position: Key Forward/Ruckman

A former Geelong and Port Adelaide key forward, Buzza is searching for a third AFL home after a strong start to the VFL season. Delisted by the Power at the end of last year, Buzza returned to Melbourne and joined Werribee where he averaged 14.3 disposals, 5.8 marks and kicked eight goals from his first four games. He has been working as a lifeguard at a pool in Melbourne's western suburbs, but has attracted interest from AFL clubs including Gold Coast Suns. Buzza provides a presence in the air but is also handy with his follow-up work at ground level.

Riley Knight

Age: 25
Height: 181cm
Weight: 78kg

Club: Woodville-West Torrens

Position: Midfielder/forward

After being delisted at the end of 2020, the former Crow has starred in the midfield on return to his junior club. He averages the second-most clearances (6.7) and disposals (27.7) and fourth-most ranking points (127) in the SANFL after six rounds. Eagles coach Jade Sheedy has spoken to recruiters about Knight, who many expect to get another chance at the top level. The 25-year-old has played a variety of roles at AFL level but this year he has been effective as a hard-running on-baller who can hit the scoreboard.

Tyson Stengle

Age: 22
Height: 175cm
Weight: 74kg

Club: Woodville-West Torrens

Position: Small forward

The small forward signed at the Eagles after being dumped by the Crows earlier this year due to a string of off-field indiscretions. Ex-Richmond player Stengle’s talent is unquestioned. The skilful 22-year-old immediately showed his quality at state league level, finishing with 21 disposals, four goals and five score assists in the opening round. Collingwood has expressed interest in Stengle, who has also been linked to a return to Richmond. Or could a reunion with mentor Eddie Betts be on the cards at Carlton?

Oliver Davis

Age: 18
Height: 182cm
Weight: 75kg

Club: Adelaide SANFL

Position: Midfielder

Davis was considered by some as unlucky not to be drafted last year after a standout Tasmanian State League season. He won the competition’s Rising Star award, Clarence’s senior best-and-fairest and led the league for tackles. Twelve months earlier, the midfielder averaged 130 ranking points as a bottom-age player in the NAB League. Question marks over his pace remain. But Davis, who recently moved to South Australia to join the Crows' SANFL side, would be an outside chance to be drafted next month if he could put together a strong month.

Jackson Callow

Age: 18
Height: 195cm
Weight: 96kg

Club: Norwood

Position: Key-forward

The strong-marking tall was another talented Tasmanian to be overlooked in the 2020 draft. He had a standout 2019 NAB League season, booting 24 goals in 14 matches and ranking No. 1 for contested marks of all bottom-age players. The 18-year-old took time to settle at SANFL level but on-lookers were impressed with his seven contested marks and three goals in the final game before the bye.

Jack Hayes

Age: 24
Height: 192cm
Weight: 91kg

Club: Woodville-West Torrens

Position: Tall utility

Eagles coach Jade Sheedy mentioned the state captain’s name, alongside Stengle and Knight, when discussing players the club might lose to the mid-season draft. Some believe the versatile Hayes, who can line up in the ruck and at either end of the ground, is the best player in the SANFL. Ex-AFL talent at the Eagles cannot believe he is not already on a list at the elite level. The 24-year-old is No. 1 in the competition for ranking points (141) and No. 2 for score involvements (8.6), while averaging 21.2 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 13.4 hitouts, and 6.6 marks, including 2.8 contested. He has also kicked seven goals.

Eamon Wilkinson

Age: 20
Height: 179cm
Weight: 75kg

Club: South Adelaide

Position: Forward

The 20-year-old is quick, has terrific goal sense and makes life difficult for opposition defenders, ranking No. 1 in the SANFL for forward-50 tackles after six rounds. Similar traits led to Collingwood choosing former teammate Beau McCreery in last year’s rookie draft. The small forward and youngest member of the SANFL state team booted 25 goals in 2020. He has seven majors to his name so far this year and has AFL qualities.

Jordan Gallucci

Age: 23
Height: 182cm
Weight: 76kg

Club: Williamstown

Position: Forward/midfielder

The former first-round selection, picked 15th in 2016, never really got going at Adelaide. He played 27 games in four seasons at the Crows, including 16 in 2018, before being delisted at the end of last year. After an achilles injury ruined his 2020 campaign, he has bounced back in his home state of Victoria, averaging 15.3 disposals, six score involvements, 5.3 marks and 94 ranking points. He has also booted seven goals in four games. Gallucci trained with Richmond during pre-season in the hope of landing via the Supplemental Selection Period.

Michael Knoll

Age: 27
Height: 203cm
Weight: 102kg

Club: Norwood

Position: Ruckman

Could appeal to clubs wanting a mature-age, back-up ruckman after impressing on his return to the SANFL this season. He is averaging 14 disposals, 32 hitouts, including an equal-second-best nine to advantage, 5.2 clearances, 4.8 tackles and 113 ranking points. It was during the 2019 mid-season draft that Knoll landed at Sydney from South Adelaide. Is another opportunity on the cards? Gold Coast, which is without Jarrod Witts for the season, is expected to seek an experienced big man.

Corey Gault

Age: 28
Height: 200cm
Weight: 100kg

Club: Swan Districts

Position: Ruckman

At 28, Gault would be one of the oldest mid-season draft candidates. But he could be in the mix at the Suns to help strengthen their injury-hit ruck stocks. Like Knoll, Gault is a big-bodied, experienced big man who would not need time to develop and could give Gold Coast an instant boost in that department. The ex-Collingwood player is averaging 20 disposals, 32.6 hitouts, including 9.6 to advantage, 5.8 score involvements, 4.8 clearances and 127 rankings points in the WAFL for Swan Districts this season.

Josh Green

Age: 18
Height: 191cm
Weight: 84kg

Club: GWS VFL

Position: Midfielder

The brother of GWS young gun Tom Green, Josh has attracted some interest since missing out on last year’s AFL draft. Like his brother, Green is a big-bodied onballer who thrives on the contest but can also play back, midfield or forward and is strong in the air. The grandson of four-time Richmond premiership player Michael Green, Josh trained with the Tigers during pre-season in search of a list spot through the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. He has since gone back to Sydney where he was included on the Giants’ VFL Development List and impressed in the first three VFL games of the season, averaging 20.7 disposals (14 contested), 4.7 clearances and three tackles.

[saynta]

I like the sound of

Josh Green

Age: 18
Height: 191cm
Weight: 84kg

Club: GWS VFL

Position: Midfielder

The brother of GWS young gun Tom Green, Josh has attracted some interest since missing out on last year’s AFL draft. Like his brother, Green is a big-bodied onballer who thrives on the contest but can also play back, midfield or forward and is strong in the air. The grandson of four-time Richmond premiership player Michael Green, Josh trained with the Tigers during pre-season in search of a list spot through the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. He has since gone back to Sydney where he was included on the Giants’ VFL Development List and impressed in the first three VFL games of the season, averaging 20.7 disposals (14 contested), 4.7 clearances and three tackles.

[Impatient Sainter]

Green hasnt nominated yet. He has been training with GWS and playing in their VFL team, so I wouldnt be surprise if they have convinced him to wait for the national draft and they will pick him up as an academy player.

Might be the same with Bailey Lambert who hasnt nominated yet either?

[Impatient Sainter]

I reckon Geelong have been trying to hide this kid (Luke Smith) likened to Stephen Milne, back in the Shepparton league after he starred in games for their VFL team. Very similiar to Carlton with Maher.

I wonder if our recruiting team are aware of him, as Stephen Wells has priors for exactly this.

https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/sp ... 3264c9b766

[Impatient Sainter]

Ive just had a go at a quick mock draft, at this stage Richmond, West Coast, Geelong & Western Bulldogs dont have picks. Carlton dont either but they are expected to put David Cummingham on the LTI list after his ACL. Obviously our ladder position may change prior to the draft.

Pick # 1 North Melbourne Jacob Edwards (NYN)
Pick # 2 Hawthorn Cody Raak or Will Bravo
Pick # 3 Collingwood Ned Moyle (NYN)
Pick # 4 Adelaide Oliver Davis
Pick # 5 Gold Coast Willie Buzza
Pick # 6 Carlton Zavier Maher
Pick # 7 Essendon Liam Podhajski (NYN)
Pick # 8 St Kilda Max Heath (NYN)
Pick # 9 Fremantle Corey Gault
Pick # 10 GWS Corey Preston
Pick # 11 Swans Patrick McCartin or Dylan Thomas
Pick # 12 Port Power Eamon Wilkinson
Pick # 13 Brisbane Will Bravo
Pick # 14 Melbourne Luis D'Angelo

Saints 2nd round Darby Hipwell, Chance Doultree or Joel Trudgeon
Saints 3rd round Luke Smith, Patrick Parnell or Jack Hayes

(NYN) Not yet nominated.

[Sanctorum]

Following link lists the 300+ players that have nominated for the MSD as at 14 May, with more likely to nominate before 25 May deadline, it includes Matthew Parker - wish him luck...

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-ne ... 78e2546027

[Impatient Sainter]

Nathan Freeman has now nominated for the draft.

He are a few more names thrown up by ESPN Chris Doerre.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/ ... r-rankings

[bobmurray]

Why would Collingwood drafti a ruckman, unless they plan on giving their Cox the chop.

[Impatient Sainter]

Why would Collingwood drafti a ruckman, unless they plan on giving their Cox the chop.

They may not but my rationale was because they only have Grundy & Cox on their list and Cox is more a tall forward. A serious injury to either or both and they are exposed.

Honestly if the Saints dont take at LEAST 3 x picks at this draft then Gallagher & Lethlean have seriously stuffed our list management. With the docked list numbers no club can afford to run an entire season 4 or 5 players down, not least us with our lack of depth. The media are reporting clubs to only take 10-15 players, if our recruitment team cant find 3 draftable players amonst the 500 nominated they all should be sacked IMO.

Another possible is a key defender getting discussed from the WAFL -

Blake Schlensog – South Fremantle Bulldogs
20 years old – 199cm – 99kg

Schlensog was delisted by Geelong after two seasons with the club as a Category B rookie. Now plying his trade in defence for South Fremantle, he has been a revelation as he earned a call-up to the WA State Team. At 199cm and 99kg, Schlensog is a mature key position player already, and looks settled down back where he can use his leap and explosiveness to his advantage. He is averaging 19 disposals and eight marks per game, including a 28 possession, 12 mark game on the weekend as he becomes a key driver out of South Fremantle’s defence. At 20-years-old he remains a work in progress, but the upside is there for AFL clubs looking to the future.

[bobmurray]

Don't forget Darcy Cameron who the Pies are playing instead of Cox.

[Impatient Sainter]

Don't forget Darcy Cameron who the Pies are playing instead of Cox.

Who is another key forward, part time ruckman. Cox is playing VFL as a key forward the same time they have brought Moyle in to play as their ruckman, I believe with the idea of drafting him.

Who do you believe Collingwood will target?

[bobmurray]

I like what you've written about Blake Schlensog, is he better than our Oscar ?

[bobmurray]

We have to be very concerned about the clubs ability to get this Draft right, it's got morons in high places.

[Joffa Burns]

If we don't use this draft for youth and a crack at a player who could develop I will spew like Terry Wallace.

I am concerned we will go down the path of recycled players who are "ready to play now" like we have done with slips through his fingers, Wood, Frawley etc.

FFS if we do this again with the like of Freeman, Gallucci, Gowers, Cruiser, Kight etc I think I'll finally tune out.

[Impatient Sainter]

We have to be very concerned about the clubs ability to get this Draft right, it's got morons in high places.

You are right this has to be Libatore's last chance to get the draft picks 100% right. He worked under Eshaugh and took over when he left in Feb 2018, but Im not sure his selections have been any better than Trout. Libartore has been employed by the club in recruitment since 2009 and we have had too many retrospective complete disasters in that time.

If he doesnt completely nail the next draft periods, the club needs to go and get someone who can.

2009 Lovett disaster.
2010 Cripps v Darling/Lycett
2011 Saad/Milera disaster, selected Ross v Yeo
2012 force Goddard out. Traded #12 for Lee disaster. Nathan Wright/Spencer White enough said.
2013 forced Dal Santo & McEvoy out, Billings v Bontepelli.
2014 McCartin v Petracca & Goddard/McKenzie v Dale/Miller
2015 Gresham good, Rice/White gone.
2016 Long ???, Battle good, Phillips gone.
2017 Clark good, Coffield v Naughton, Clavarino fail, Paton good.
2018 King & Bytel good, Parker, Hind & Young gone.
2019 traded in Hill ???, Melbourne took Pickett with draft pick who is more valuable? Byrnes good, Connolly?
2020 Allison v Poulter & McMahon.

We have had some rookie draft wins eg Marshall & Wilkie, plus some trade wins, but our early round drafting is nothing short of abysmal. Obviously differing coaches over the period have had too much influence in the trade disasters, but Libartore has been the WA & VIC state recruiter over the time and his record is dubious.

[suss]

Must draft Felix Flockhart if only for the name.

[Impatient Sainter]

"Our guys are assessing that now. I don't expect us to hit it any harder than maybe one pick." Simon Lethlean on @stkildafc plans in the midseason draft. @zerohanger

One pick when we have at least 4 positions free is an absolute mockery. The other positions a free because of injuries but we should have numerous delistings at seasons end. Surely the club didnt give Hunter, Wood & Frawley more than a 1 year contract?

The club are not going to get a better chance to pick up some kids going forward? WTF is going on at Moorabin the incompetence just keeps rolling on?

[saynta]

If that is true. Then that is f****** criminal.

Never again.will we get a chance to draft a bunch of talented kids who can be developed along side one another.

Only 14 clubs are in round one and each round after that there are less and less teams eligible to take a pick.
Free for all for us.

Pull your finger out Leffers and do your f****** job.

[Wayne42]

Maybe the Saints salary cap is so tight they can't afford more than 1 extra player.

I hope that's the reason, otherwise it's sheer incompetence at Moorabbin in 2021.

[Impatient Sainter]

Maybe the Saints salary cap is so tight they can't afford more than 1 extra player.

I hope that's the reason, otherwise it's sheer incompetence at Moorabbin in 2021.

If our cap is that tight its incompetence letting it get to those levels in the first place. You have to wonder what contracts the dead wood in McKernan, Frawley, Wood & Hunter are on? It would be a complete farce if the likes of Hill, Hannebrey & Crouch have maxed out our salary cap?