HP's Rookie Profiles: Billy Longer

[Justin Bieber]

Name: Billy Longer
Position: Ruckman
Age (draft day): 18
Height: 202cm
Weight: 95kg



Longer is a likely top 10 pick (potentially top 5) for the mere fact he's arguably the best ruckman in this draft. He's a massive guy and isn't afraid to use his size in matches. He was in the AA team for the U18 carnival where he Captained Vic Metro to the Championships. He has great leadership qualities on the field and can do more than just ruck. He is known to be able to mvoe forward to good effect with a goal or two. He's an old fashioned ruckman who doesn't get many possessions but can get an abundance of hitouts (Tap Ruckman). The thing he adds to his game is his workrate around the ground other than just ruckwork. He's Dean Cox-esque in his ability on the ground and workrate but doesn't have that endurance yet to be at his level (not to say he ever will be).

Longer played for the Northern Knights this season where he's highlighted his credentials as the best ruckman in the draft. He's managed over 20 hitouts in his 12 outings including a game with a whopping 41 hitouts. Having his size though does play against him on some occasions, giving away free kicks more often than receiving them. Longer's Stats don't show many possessions but he can take a contested mark and adds to his fantasy capabilities with his tackling skills. Like most ruckman though, his kicking skills aren't all that great but for a rookie ruckman, he can pass on that considering his main goal is to ruck.

Fantasy Relevant? He could be depending on where he slides. Some are tipping him to go at #5 to GWS, if not them he'll go somewhere in the top 10 (if not, he's a little bargain). If he goes to GWS, I'd be more tempted to go with Jonathon Giles who has been in the AFL system before and will probably be cheaper. He wouldn't be worthy of an on field position and the ruck bench are usually lowly priced rookie rucks, I'd find it hard to fit him in if he does have an added price for him. Not to say he can't do well in the AFL, rookie rucks don't tend to play alot early and if they do, they aren't known to set the world on fire (Besides Zac Smith). Giles is more like Smith than Longer so I'd bypass Longer for the timebeing and would prefer Giles at this stage of thinking.

[Maca24]

Hadn't heard of him!
Will watch him closely  :)