2016 National Draft thread

[HitTheBoundary]

Just going on the highlights, but it seems all our picks have clean hands and are very good kicks.

[SaintPav]

All picks are private school boys.

Someone won't be happy.

[saintbrat]

AFL.com review -Callum Twomey

St Kilda
Selections before academy and father/son bidding: 23, 36, 60
Selections after bidding: 25, 39, 56
Who they picked: Ben Long, Josh Battle, Ed Phillips.
Pre-draft priority: The Saints might look for someone who can play as a tall forward.

Callum Twomey's verdict: The Saints had to wait and see what came through but clearly pace was on the agenda for the black, red and white. That's why Long appealed, and he can also be used at either end of the ground as a half-forward or half-back so his selection makes sense in that regard. Battle was probably too good to pass up for the Saints at pick 39. He isn't exactly what they need, but his form throughout the year made him one of the better-performed tall forwards. He just may need to work his way into things because the Saints' forward group is coming along nicely. Phillips is another midfield option with a bit of dash and endurance to his game. He had a solid season for the Chargers.

[saynta]

Emma Quayle had Battle at 24.

Great write up by her on.the boy.

Has place toughness elite endurance and is willing to chase

Good kick on goal too.

A steal at pick 39.

Well done saints

[saintbrat]

another review
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/g ... c585390bb4

ST KILDA

WHO THEY PICKED

25 Ben Long (NT Thunder/Footscray VFL)

39 Josh Battle (Dandenong Stingrays)

56 Edward Phillips (Oakleigh Chargers)

Pulled one of the surprises of the night by swooping on Ben Long with pick No.25. His VFL form with Footscray was impressive in the second half of the season but will he be able to perform at the next level? Has speed, which is something the Saints lack so could get an opportunity to add that to the senior team next year. Most think Josh Battle was the big slider but I disagree. I had him ranked at No.44 in my top 50 because the query is — and this is of most talls coming through — can they perform to a high level against big opposition at AFL level? Yes they dominate in under-18s because they’re bigger than everyone else and use their weight but as recruiters you need to look past that because they won’t be playing on undersized players forever. Ed Phillips is a rebound defender with a good kick and reads the play well, the type of player the Saints need for the future.

Bucky’s verdict: St Kilda is recruiting players who use the ball very well and I like it. It’s such a key component of the modern game and St Kilda has got in early by banking these guys over the last couple of years and did so again on Friday night.