Of these 4 rookie fwds...

[mcwarne]

Jarryd Grant, Mitch Thorp, Scott Gumbleton and Taylor Walker.

Which in everyones opinions do you think has the best credentials for scoring on a half decent basis and then staying?

[Hawks_1976]

Gumby and Grant to play plenty of games but only score around the 40s.
Adelaide supporter have been jumping up and down about Walker for ages, I'm not convinced.
Haven't been impressed with Thorp so far, he is a forward being tried back because there is no room for him up forward. I'm surprised the Hawks didn't take that into consideration when they drafted him ( pick 6 )

I like what I've seen in Hogan?

[mcwarne]

There was no doubt that Walker was a mild sensation in the SANFL last year but this is the big league and he will take time. Quite possibly a season before he becomes the real deal. I saw him play live a few times last year including a game in the hail where he was the only player taking marks that day. He only kicked two but stood out like a beacon. As far as Mitch Thorp goes, he seems to be a near certainty to play it seems. I am just waiting for some scores of note. I agree in regards to Hogan. Geelong are determined to play him as teams do need new players every year, no matter how strong their first 18 is. And he looks like a midfielder playing as a fwd. Starting with Grant for now as the Dogs are crying out for a tall forward. Gone cold on Yarran at the moment as he doesnt have any game time of note after his knock. May not start for the Blues after all.

[Hawks_1976]

After Yarran rolled his ankle in the first NAB game, they may want to nurse him in around R2/3?
I'd have to choose Gumby over Grant though. Your point is taken in regards to the dogs lack of a full forward. But this kid would have to run around in the shower to get wet.

[mcwarne]

And I am not going to wait for Yarran either as he is 40K's dearer than the others and not convinced about his certainty to be another Rioli.
I havent seen Grant play yet. I take it he is pretty skinny! OK, so Gumby it is. Although his reputation says that if he runs around in the shower he will pull a hammy! But at least Essendon are a safe haven right now for cheap players getting games. And Knights doesnt do a "Laidley" and pull the pin on them either.

[Hawks_1976]

Agreed.
It's hard to see who will be the Palmer of 07 or Selwood of 06.
Top 10:
Watts: No. Yr12.
NicNat: No. Ruckman
Hill: Yes, provided he gets protected.
Hartlett: No, apprentiship in SANFL first.
Hurley: No. KPP.
Yarran: Maybe but I saw Suban keep him almost touchless in an 18s game last year.
Rich: Maybe, but TOG could be affected.
Vickery: No, Ruckman.
Zeibell: Could be the surprise packet if Laidley gives him games.
Davis : SANFL apprentiship.
Starts to get thin outside the top 10 although I'm already a big Beams fan and love the graffiti on the arm.

I think Hill will be the rising star if Freo can keep him out of the traffic.

Smokies: Zeibell and Beams.

[mcwarne]

I have replaced Yarran on the ground with Ziebell. Big risk as the bloke I loathe more than Benetiz for rotating holds his fate.
Hill should play all year, looked really classy and Freo need youth.
I have Beams and Robinson on my middy bench and hold high hopes that both will play most of the season.
Would have certainly gone for Jack Grimes but I am still stunned by how he can play just one game, get 40 odd and come in 100 grand higher than a no-gamer. That one was a shocker I reckon by the DT site.
I go crazy when rounds 22-24 come along and dumb coaches go "I shall play this kid for one game and stuff up his price for next year". Well thats how it seems anyway.