Toga's 2013 First Round Phantom Draft!

[Toga]

Only 5 days away from the 2012 NAB AFL National Draft! Who will be going where? Here's my two cents worth!

Pick 1 - GWS - Lachie Whitfield - Midfielder, Northern Knights. 184cm/77kg.



Whitfield is a champion midfielder who possesses a very well rounded skill set, and has long been tipped to be the first name called out in the draft next week. While a virus kept him down at last month's draft combine, this hasn't hurt his chances at all, as his talent was already well recognised given he won the Larke medal for the best Division 1 player at the U18 National Championships. Well polished off both sides of his body, strong overhead for a player with his kind of frame, and one of the best endurance athletes coming out of this year's draft pool, this jet looks a dead certainty to be taken with GWS' first pick.


Pick 2 - GWS - Jimmy Toumpas - Midfielder, Woodville West Torrens. 183cm/78kg.



SA's state captain unfortunately did not participate in the draft combine due to recent hip surgery, but he excelled at the U18 national champs, showing potential suitors what type of footy they can expect from him. Toumpas played a pivotal role in Woodville-West Torrens' grand final victory in the SANFL last year as a 17-year old, and this year was awarded all-Australian honours after captaining his state. Notable characteristics are his ability to win contested footy in both the midfield and running off of half back, his tremendous work ethic, and his outstanding leadership qualities.


Pick 3 - GWS -  Lachie Plowman - Defender, Calder Cannons. 192cm/84kg.



Considered to be the premier key backman of this year's draft, GWS has shown increasing interest in him over recent weeks, as they wish to bolster their defensive stocks to help out Phil Davis, Tim Mohr and Stephen Gilham back there. Whether or not GWS selects him here will most likely heavily influence the rest of the first round selections. A player with terrific composure, a great contested mark and elite kicking skills, he will be the most sought-after defender of this year's draft. An added bonus is that, given his size and athleticism, Plowman can both shut down key forwards, but also play a rebounding role from half back if need be.


Pick 4 - Melbourne - Oliver Wines - Midfielder, Bendigo Pioneers. 188cm/90kg.



Oli Wines is a big-bodied inside midfielder who will most likely join his best mate in Jack Viney at the Dees next year. Melbourne's midfield has lacked a bit in recent years, hurt more so by the loss of Tom Scully last year, and so the addition of two inside midfielders in Wines and Viney would have Melbourne's midfield stocks looking far more promising. While his disposal efficiency can sometimes be of some concern, this is something that can be worked on.


Pick 5 - Western Bulldogs - Troy Menzel - Forward/Midfielder, Central District. 187cm/78kg.



On talent alone, the younger brother of Geelong's Daniel Menzel would be certain to go in the top three next week, however his dodgy knees has some clubs worried about his ability to stay injury-free. Menzel kicked 15 goals (9, 5) in two matches at the U18 national championships, showing his goal-kicking prowess. While widely predicted to go later in the first round, it seems that the Bulldogs have become much more interested in him, and rightly so given his immense talents. Will be a huge risk for the dogs, who really do need the added strength in their forward line, so hopefully Menzel's knees hold up and he can keep himself on the park. I have a feeling that the Dogs will choose Menzel over fellow injury-risk prospect Jake Stringer simply because the nature of Menzel's injury will most likely have lesser long-term effects.


Pick 6 - Western Bulldogs - Jonathan O'Rourke - Midfielder, Calder Cannons. 184cm/73kg.



A classy midfielder with good leadership skills would fit in perfectly with the Dogs' growing young midfield. O'Rourke's ball winning ability, along with his elite disposal efficiency and ability to kick goals from the midfield, would be very appealing to the Dogs, given that their prominent midfielders in Matty Boyd, Daniel Cross, and Adam Cooney are nearing the ends of their careers. O'Rourke's stellar performances at the national champs saw him awarded with all-Australian honours.


Pick 7 - Port Adelaide - Brodie Grundy - Ruckman, Sturt. 202cm/100kg.



Could well be the steal of this year's draft. Still very raw in terms of football experience, Grundy has shown immense potential as an AFL-ready ruck prospect. Should realistically be picked by the Giants with their third pick, however GWS' recent interest in defender Lachie Plowman and ex-Adelaide big man Kurt Tippett has seen Grundy's top-3 prospects dashed. Given that both Melbourne and the Bulldogs have higher priorities from this year's draft, if GWS do not selecting him with one of their first three picks, there is every chance that he will slip down to Port Adelaide at pick 7 (or possibly even Richmond). Now Port Adelaide do have three 200cm+ giants on their list at the moment, however none have been all too promising, albeit because of injury in some cases. However Grundy's mature body, along with his ability to play up forwards as a goal-kicking target, will see him strongly considered by the Power. If they do not take Grundy, expect them to take fellow home-grown talent Sam Mayes with pick 7.



Pick 8 - Brisbane Lions - Kristian Jaksch - Defender/Forward, Oakleigh Chargers. 194cm/85kg.



Jaksch is someone who's draft prospects have soared in recent weeks. A tall KPP player with the ability to play at either end of the ground is appealing to Brisbane, given Jonathon Brown is nearing the end of his career, and that they are still undecided as to where they want to play Daniel Merrett (forwards or in defence). Recruiting Jaksch would give the Lions some freedom in the sense that he could be interchangeable with Merrett holding down an opposition key forward, or otherwise as a goal kicker at the other end of the ground.


Pick 9 - Richmond - Jake Stringer - Forward, Bendigo Pioneers. 191cm/94kg.



Another player who is hugely talented, and realistically could go in the top 5 if it were not for injury. Stringer suffered a horrific broken leg (see it here) but has recently got back into the action, and was able to participate in last month's combine. Possessing sublime contested marking skills (ranking amongst the top in the clean hands test), with a big body for his age, Stringer is able to play both as a tall/medium forward marking option who can kick bags of goals, he can also play stints through the midfield. Players of this calibre are quite rare, and so Richmond will be more than willing to take a punt on this bloke, given they have amassed a reasonable amount of depth in both their forward line and midfield in recent times.


Pick 10 - Essendon - Joe Daniher (F/S) - Ruckman/Forward, Calder Cannons. 201cm/89kg.



Will be an absolute force in years to come. Touted to be a potential number one pick if the Bombers had passed him up as a father/son selection, Daniher is a tall forward with the ability to pinch hit in the ruck. Essendon's coach, James Hird, has already come out and said that he expects big things from this young lad, pencilling him in for between 10 and 15 games in 2013. Whilst he may take some time to develop, Daniher already possess elite marking skills (primarily due to his leap and size), however his goal kicking is sometimes erratic and leaves a bit to be desired.


Pick 11 - Carlton - Tom Clurey - Defender, Murray Bushrangers. 193cm/85kg.



The Blues have a number of holes to fill in this year's draft, including the need for another tall defender, some added midfield depth, and even a tall forward. Given the abundance of midfielders that clubs can come across in drafts, I predict that Carlton will focus on other areas that need work with their first pick. Clurey was initially tipped to go late in the first round, but once Plowman, who is considered the premier backman of this year's draft, is gone, Clurey is probably the next best bet. Possessing great ability in locking down opposition key forwards, he often loses a one-on-one contest given his outstanding ability to mark or spoil in the contest. Also quite quick for his size, Clurey also possess the ability to create counter attacks with his rebounding skills.


Pick 12 - GWS - Sam Mayes - Midfielder/Forward, North Adelaide. 187cm/78kg.



Mayes has developed over the past few years from a skinny medium-sized forward to a tall midfielder. Possessing freakish skills, there were a number of occasions during the U18 national champs that Mayes proved to be the X-factor for South Australia, particularly in his ability to kick goals from the midfield, or to sneak forward and apply scoreboard pressure on the opposition.


Pick 13 - Gold Coast -- Jackson Macrae - Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers. 189cm/76kg.



Another classy midfielder with the ability to apply scoreboard pressure when moved up forwards. Macrae possess elite short-range kicking skills, along with a great pair of hands, and overall, terrific disposal efficiency. Would add class to the Suns' already talented midfield, which will, given the addition of Jack Martin to the line-up in 2014, will be a force to be reckoned with in a few years time.


Pick 14 -  GWS - Dayle Garlett - Midfielder, Swan Districts. 181cm/75kg.



Widely touted to be one of the best talents in this year's draft, Garlett's draft prospects were hurt after an indiscretion saw him booted from the AFL AIS Academy. While he has vowed to get himself back on track in order to fulfil his dream of becoming an AFL footballer, there is still some risk involved with his selection. However, this is a risk that I am sure the Giants feel as though they can take - with an already budding midfield the inclusion of Garlett in the team would provide a bit of extra depth for the midfield, but also add to the team a small crumbing forward who can be damaging around goals.


Pick 15 - North Melbourne - Ben Kennedy - Midfielder/Forward, Glenelg. 174cm/76kg.



An exciting small forward with ability to play in the midfield, Kennedy was unlucky not to be picked up by the Crows last year as their Mini-Draft pick, who they instead used on Brad Crouch. Watching some Glenelg games earlier this year, it is obvious that Kennedy will be a star in the future - he is explosive out of packs, and is very dangerous around goals, and will more than likely become a more than handy replacement of ex-skipper Boomer Harvey in years to come!


Pick 16 - Geelong - Nick Vlastuin - Midfielder/Defender, Northern Knights. 187cm/86kg.



It was hard to pick were Vlastuin would go in the draft - he is a talented young footballer with tremendous leadership skills, and is a strong body that can be used off of half back or through the midfield. While he can be used in the midfield, he is considered to be a bit slow for this position, however his contested style of play would certainly add another dimension to the Cats' midfield or half back lines, given these positions are currently held by ageing players. Vlastuin is one that could well go higher in the draft.


Pick 17 - Fremantle - Mason Shaw - Forward, South Fremantle. 198cm/92kg.



A bustling, big bodied CHF, Shaw was dominant in the WAFL this year for his club South Fremantle. Pav isn't getting any younger, so a young, home-grown talent that will be able to take over Pav's position in a few years would be perfect for the Dockers. Good, young KPP's are hard to come by, but this kid is certainly one of them - if he can regain his confidence after requiring facial surgery after an off the ball incident with WCE's Mitch Brown, he is sure to be a star in a few years time.


Pick 18 - Collingwood - Josh Simpson - Midfielder, East Fremantle. 184cm/73kg.



A small, speedy midfielder, Simpson is a lively player that is sure to prove many memorable moments in years to come, including hangers like [this one. His main strengths are his ability to run and carry, his ability to sneak forward and be dangerous around goals, and his silky skills. Would add another dimension to Collingwood's midfield, which at present is reasonably one-paced.


Pick 19 - Collingwood - Tim Membrey - Forward, Gippsland Power. 188cm/87kg.



As others have stated, an obvious reason for Membrey being a good fit at the Pies is the artwork that he sports on his left arm. But tatts aside, Membrey is a big bodied medium forward that requires close attention from opposition key defenders. Would add another dimension to Collingwood's forward line that already contains star forward Travis Cloke (when he's on song), and a host of small crumbing forwards that have been one of the recipes to Collingwood's success. Membrey was dominant all year for the Gippsland power, almost taking them to a Premiership, however was pipped on the line by a point kicked by Jackson Macrae. Also has the potential to move up into the midfield in a few years time when he has developed an adequate fitness base.


Pick 20 - Adelaide - Tanner Smith - Defender, North Ballarat Rebels. 194cm/83kg.



Adelaide could go for one of two things here: a key defender, to help out Daniel Talia and to replace Truck in a few years when he retires, or a key forward to replace Kurt Tippett's presence in attack and to take pressure off of Tex Walker (which will be important for the Crows' success next year. Given that the Crows have a number of players waiting in the wings to take Tippett's spot, including Ricky Henderson, Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan, I think they will go for a key defender with their first pick. With Plowman and Clurey likely to go early in the draft, it looks like Tanner Smith will be their best option. Smith possesses a a great ability to read the play, and is a great spoiler of the footy, he has proven his ability to shut down opposition key forwards in the U18 national championships. While very athletic, Smith is currently a little undersized to be able to match it with AFL power forwards, so will need to spend the next couple of years working on his building frame.


Pick 21 - Collingwood - Jesse Lonergan - Midfielder, Launceston. 183cm/86kg.



Collingwood could well take another midfielder with their third first-round pick here, with Lonergan a likely pick. Lonergan is a big-bodied tough inside midfielder, displaying great aggression at the footy, and knows how to win his own football. Lonergan is deceptively quick and has a great leap for his build, and will add nicely to Collingwood's next-tier midfielders.


Pick 22 - Western Bulldogs - Sam Colquhoun - Defender, Central District. 179cm/72kg.



Colquhon is a running defender who averaged close to 30 disposals a game in the national champs. A fantastic reader of the play, Colquhon also possesses the ability to either play shut down roles on small forwards, or play rebounding roles off of half back. Has a sensational work ethic, he will be a more than worthy replacement for retired defenders Ryan Hargrave and Lindsay Gilbee.


Pick 23 - Sydney Swans - Tim O'Brien - Forward, Glenelg. 194cm/81kg.



After the Swans spent their entire trading period focussed on gaining the services of ex-Crow Kurt Tippett, in the hope of bolstering their tall forward stocks and not getting him in the end, it is likely that they will chase a tall forward to help out young gun Sam Reid next year. Tim O'Brien, who has been a late bolter in this years draft, could well be a worthy candidate if the Crows don't snare him with pick 20. O'Brien is an agile and speedy key forward, with the ability to both be a marking, goal kicking target, or even pinch-hitter in the ruck.


Pick 24 - Brisbane Lions - Marco Paparone - Forward, East Fremantle. 193cm/84kg.


Paparone would be a good fit for the Lions' forward line, given his versatility as a player, despite being tipped to go a bit later in the draft. While standing at 193cm tall, Paparone is able to play further up the field, even off of a wing. This, along with his ability to be a strong-leading marking tall option in the forward line would be very enticing for the Lions, who, as mentioned earlier, will struggle with the loss of Jon Brown in a few years (although this will be softened by the recruitment of Stef Martin in this year's trading period).

*SPECIAL THANKS MUST GO TO MR. CRAIG FROM WHOM I GOT PLAYER STATISTICS (HEIGHTS/WEIGHTS) FROM!*

[Nige]

Great stuff, Toga! Really like it. The worst bit was that I clicked the link to Stringer's leg.  :o

[Toga]

Great stuff, Toga! Really like it. The worst bit was that I clicked the link to Stringer's leg.  :o

thanks mate, took bloody ages but I'm happy with it :)

Yeah it's pretty disgusting hey?