Mr.Craig's Rookie Spotlight 2014 (Index On Page 1)

Started by Mr.Craig, September 15, 2013, 05:22:44 PM

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Mr.Craig

#1
September 15, 2013, 05:27:51 PM Last Edit: December 05, 2013, 03:06:58 PM by Mr.Craig
Thomas Boyd



Eastern Ranges 22/8/95 199cm/102kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 1 GWS

2012 TAC Average: 76.3
2013 TAC Average: 100

$262,900 Forward

Profile

Much has already been spoken about Boyd and his position as No.1 draft pick seems all but assured. At 18 years of age he already has the physique of an AFL power forward; his 199cm/102kg frame compares well with the likes of Cloke (196cm/108kg), J.J Kennedy (196cm/99kg) and Tippett (202cm/104kg).

Tom's Under 18 Championships were cut short by an ankle injury but his 9 goals in two games was enough to earn him All Australian honours. His goalkicking is obviously his most sought after asset - in 2012 he kicked 44 goals in 15 games and in 2013 23 goals in 5 games. Boyd was able to return for the TAC Grand Final, kicking four goals and helping Eastern Ranges claim the premiership. His DT scores for the year have been 66, 153, 97, 115, 100 and 69. Tom looms as a forward who could dominate the competition over the course of the next decade.

AFL.com: Tall forward who cuts an imposing figure on the ground. A powerful player with excellent leg speed and is a long and accurate set shot for goal. Attacks the footy in the air and marks strongly overhead. Protects the drop zone very well through excellent body use and reads the flight of the ball very well. Kicked nine goals in two games during the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships earning him All Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

Bound For Glory: For his size he is incredibly agile and shows terrific poise at ground level. Akin to Matthew Kruezer and Jarryd Roughead, he looks sure, capable of tackling and even crumbling when the ball hits the deck. He appears much more capable than other big men in the AFL who often make a mockery of the simple things.

SC Paige: So big is Boyd that he has the brute, the size and endurance to line up Round 1 of the 2014 season. Boyd is an imposing and physical forward, whose sheer size alone makes it difficult for the opposition to match up on. Boyd's contested marking, ability to take the ball at its highest point, and out in front make him a nuisance for opposition teams. Boyd's technique in front of goal is faultless, and his team-first attitude to bring the ball to ground to allow his smaller forwards to run on, is a trait that speaks volumes of the type of player Boyd is a prodigy, Boyd is remarkably clean below his knees, unstoppable in the air and is prone to kicking bags of goals.

Chris25 (BigFooty): He is the player that just about every team wants, and who can blame them? A full forward as strong as Tom Boyd doesn't come around all that often. In terms of where he ranks with a couple of other players around his age, I'd have him behind Jesse Hogan but just a shade ahead of Jon Patton. So really, he is deserving of the #1 selection. He does everything you'd be looking for from a franchise key forward - really strong hands, one of the best contested markers the U18s has seen.

Fantasy Prospects

Boyd will come with a hefty premium befitting a top draft pick and while it seems more than likely he'll play a decent amount of games it's questionable whether he'll be worth all that money. 2012 Mini Draft selection Jesse Hogan will be considerably cheaper and probably has a slightly better scoring and JS potential. Big forwards like Boyd tend not to score particularly well in their early careers so the decision will come down to if you want to take a chance on him, look at someone cheaper or spend a bit more money and pick a midpricer.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-08/13-days-to-the-draft-meet-tom-boyd
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-22/boyd-fires-as-ranges-win-flag
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-17/boyd-buoyed-by-final
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-10/prime-prospects-tom-boyd
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-17/tom-keen-to-mix-with-big-boys
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-09/boyd-delivers-for-vic-metro
http://boundforglorynews.com/tac-cup-player-focus-tom-boyd/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/08/20/player-profile-thomas-boyd/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-tom-boyd/#more-4956
http://www.footballnation.com.au/afl/the-afl-draft/draft-prospect-in-focus-thomas-boyd/
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/potential-no1-draft-pick-tom-boyd-suffers-ankle-injury-at-under-18-championships/story-fni5f22o-1226664322661

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDCfgCyq11w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDmbSvoR9BE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTQhNOpz94M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG0lUFMLyHo

Mr.Craig

#2
September 15, 2013, 05:46:10 PM
Jesse Hogan



Claremont/Melbourne 12/2/95 195cm/97kg

2012 WAFL Colts Average: 99.6
2013 VFL Average: 82.2

Profile

Hogan was a dominant player at Colts level and this led to him being taken Pick 2 in the 2012 Mini Draft. In the juniors he just about did everything, winning a considerable amount of the ball, kicking regular bags of goals along with helping out down back and in the ruck. The step up to VFL level has done very little to reduce his output, kicking goals in every game except one (in which he got injured early) and taking over 10 marks in five games during the season. Jesse's DT scores for 2013 were 66, 123, 101, 51, 116, 68, 95, 139, 144, 73, 28, 138, 55 and 8 (two games injury affected). Hogan was a 2012 U/18 All Australian and graduate of the AIS/AFL Academy.

Contested Footy: Jesse Hogan is a tough key forward who many are already comparing to Jonathan Brown. When Hogan gets on a roll his marking seems unstoppable, he reads the play so well, is explosive of the mark and strong in the air. If his goal kicking was a bit more consistent he would be your complete forward.

Kevin Sheehan: Imposing tall forward/defender who takes contested marks and can really impact a game. Really competitive and intensive type who excelled for WA in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, averaging 6.4 marks and 13.6 disposals and winning All-Australian honours.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Strong contested marking forward and is a real presence and target you can kick to. Also has excellent ability to take a 1v1 mark and this seems a real feature of his game. Reads it well in the air and off the players boot. Has the ability to crash packs and bring it to ground and seems to enjoy the physical side of the game. Physically developed for his age and already a very high level key forward. By foot is a good field kick and can find a leading target. Will need to work on set shot goal kicking routine.

Fantasy Prospects

Obviously with Clark, Dawes and Howe on the list already there are question marks on how Melbourne will structure up but it's in their best interests to develop Hogan by giving him a reasonable amount of exposure. As his 2013 scores suggest there will be good games and bad games but he will be cheap and has better JS potential than most forward rookies. One to lock in.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-11/roos-set-for-hogan-talks
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-20/hogans-debut-season-over
http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-08-06/hogan-to-be-rested-before-vfl-finals
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-07/hogan-happy-to-wait
http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/melbourne-demons-coach-mark-neeld-is-confident-jesse-hogan-is-a-low-risk-prospect-who-cost-plenty/story-e6frf3e3-1226514927027#.UgSXnm02NZk
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-determined-recruit-jesse-hogan-wont-suffer-same-weight-of-expectation-as-jack-watts/story-fn69a32t-1226493746956
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-young-gun-jesse-hogan-best-on-ground-in-casey-scorpions-win/story-fni5f91a-1226686856028#mm-breached

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxbyMIFHSY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDRsLCsFI80
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqJQF0HI6iU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJCbluLn_s0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chNa3rEgdhs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tezO9UoUjgk

Mr.Craig

#3
September 15, 2013, 06:02:47 PM Last Edit: November 17, 2013, 01:23:43 PM by Mr.Craig
Jack Martin



Claremont/Gold Coast 29/1/95 185cm/74kg

2012 WA Colts Average: 77.5
2013 NEAFL Ave: 97.3

Profile

Martin was the No.1 selection in the 2012 Mini Draft and has settled in well at the Suns. His form in the NEAFL this year has done nothing to dampen the hype surrounding him, being named in the best most weeks and racking up plenty of disposals. His DT scores for the year have been 138, 79, 77, 130, 105, 112, 93, 109, 115, 93, 78 and 39.

Despite his size Martin attacks the ball with vigour and isn't afraid to take on the bigger bodies. On his way to being named in the 2012 U/18 All Australian team he averaged 19.2 disposals (10.2 contested), 6.5 tackles and kicked a handful of goals. Having already secured a five year contract extension the Suns will be looking to Jack as a key component in their premiership desires.

Shaun Hart: "If I talk about some Lions players I'd say he's got the gut run and courage of Nigel Lappin, he's got the fearlessness of Michael Voss and the amazing elite skill and ability to mark the ball of a Daryl White. Normally you'll get someone with skill and flair and offensive talent, but when you get someone with a far greater package of the other part of the game, that's when you know you've got a player who will live the values of your footy club off and on the field."

Simon Black: "The first time he got the ball he stepped around a couple of guys and I thought, 'wow, he's special'. He's obviously got that natural flair and beautifully gifted running gait, but he looks really keen and really eager to get constantly involved in the game, that's what I liked about him. He seems really desperate around the ball to make that ball his own and that was pretty striking. He wasn't holding back because of the bigger bodies at all, he was really ripping in, and on the outside you wouldn't get a much smoother user and runner of the ball than him."

Scott Clayton: :We've been watching Jack Martin play for three years, we've gone to Geraldton quite a few times to do some homework and know everything we can, on the proviso we may or may not be able to do a deal. Then the GWS mini draft happened and the whole competition was trying to get him and we managed to do that. It's going to be a great ride and to have that commitment from both of us, it's been a whirlwind couple of years. As much as he hasn't got a strong body, I've never seen him pushed off the ball ever. He's just got this inner drive and fearlessness to compete. He tackles and he chases and his defensive stuff...he just won't let the game go past him, he wants to be involved in every second."

Percentage Booster: Martin has regularly appeared in the best in the NEAFL, a feat which cannot be underestimated for an 18 year old listed as 71kg against much bigger, more experienced bodies. It is a widely held belief that Martin is a more promising prospect than O'Meara and would be the consensus #1 pick in the 2013 National draft if not for the mini-draft. Giving an 18 year old yet to play an AFL game a five year contract is unprecedented and could be seen as a risk, but Martin looks to be worthy of the extension. Martin, like O'Meara, possesses a potent combination of speed, intelligence, class, skills at ground-level and a fearless competitive streak which would have any AFL recruiter bending over backwards to have him at their club.

Fantasy Prospects

The Gold Coast midfield is becoming congested with ball winning talent. However even with the likes of Ablett, O'Meara, Prestia etc. roaming around, Martin should still manage to get his hands on the ball enough to give you decent scores. His tackling should also see plenty of +4's come his way. He needs to continue adding weight but you'd imagine he'll be thrust into the starting lineup early on and play regular games. It's probably asking too much for Martin to have the same impact as O'Meara did in 2013 but he'll be well priced and should be a lock as a starting mid.

Media

http://www.goldcoastfc.com.au/news/2013-04-27/five-year-deal-for-martin
http://www.goldcoastfc.com.au/news/2013-04-29/martin-better-than-cyril
http://www.goldcoastfc.com.au/news/2013-08-01/martin-another-golden-sun-ready-to-shine
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-02/big-raps-on-suns-jack

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me9Z-Fm5hkE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eEKm78gqr8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuefXNsmQc8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYmJ4Nj5Znk

Vinny

#4
September 15, 2013, 08:32:08 PM
Amazing work as usual MC! :) You are a boss.

Hogan and Martin are 100% locks but Boyd depending on club and pre-season, I shall decide whether he is worth the price as many will.

Keep it up man.

Jukes

#5
September 15, 2013, 08:44:03 PM
Claremont players, Claremont players everywhere.

The F.A.R.K.

#6
September 15, 2013, 08:46:30 PM
Can I request a few SA boys

James Aish
Matt Scharenberg
Luke Dunstan

All touted top 10 picks

Scharenberg is probably the best bet fantasy wise

Nige

#7
September 15, 2013, 08:51:12 PM
Quote from: The F.A.R.K. on September 15, 2013, 08:46:30 PM
Scharenberg is probably the best bet fantasy wise

Shhh! Some of us are trying to keep that a secret.  :P

Toga

#8
September 15, 2013, 08:53:36 PM
Nice work Craigy, looking forwards to keeping tabs on this thread over the coming months!

Nige

#9
September 15, 2013, 08:54:49 PM
Here's a list of guys he's done for the lads who may request.

Quote from: Mr.Craig on September 10, 2013, 06:17:12 PM
Ben Lennon
Blake Acres
Dominic Sheed
Jack Billings
Jack Martin
James Aish
Jesse Hogan
Josh Kelly
Kade Kolodjashnij
Lewis Taylor
Luke McDonald
Marcus Bontempelli
Matt Crouch
Matt Scharenberg
Nathan Freeman
Tom Boyd
Toby Nankervis
Trent Dumont
William Hartung
Zak Jones

Obviously I still have a huge list of guys I plan to do so I'm certainly not struggling for names but if anyone is really keen on a particular player I'll try to push them up the order. ;)

Check out the Rookie Spotlight 2013 thread for a few other names that were requested.

Mr.Craig

#10
September 15, 2013, 09:38:37 PM
I'll release the ones I've done gradually. Don't want to blow my load too quick. :P

Ricochet

#11
September 16, 2013, 09:42:58 AM
Awesome work as always MC

Mr.Craig

#12
September 16, 2013, 07:09:06 PM Last Edit: November 21, 2013, 08:29:42 PM by Mr.Craig
Jack Billings



Oakleigh Chargers 18/8/95 183cm/78kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 3 St Kilda

2012 TAC Ave: 87.8
2013 TAC Ave: 112*

*Stats unavailable for one game

Profile

Billings' is a very tasty prospect indeed, his excellent marking and ball use have seen him compared to the likes of Jimmy Bartel, Jamie Elliot and Isaac Smith. A fantastic 2012 saw him play an important part in Oakleigh's TAC premiership while also winning All Australian honours in the forward line alongside Jack Martin, Ben Kennedy and Joe Daniher.  Jack's 2013 season has been limited through injury but he was able to manage three games in the Champs, averaging 12.6 disposals and kicking five goals. This was still enough to see him once again named All Australian. In TAC he was dominant in his brief appearances, scoring 111 and 113 with the stats for his third game unknown.

Mad Monday: Uses the ball extremely well through his elite left foot kick, whilst his right foot is good. Coaches will love young Billings for his fantastic mindset, due to his strong attitude and work ethic. Billings has played since he was five years of age, and has loved the game since starting in Auskick. Billings is a decent set shot for goal and is able to kick them beautifully from beyond fifty metres. Reads the play really well, which leads to some spicy opportunist goals. Brilliant overhead mark for his size, and is able to beat his opponent in the one on one situations. A good contested ball winner, he would be a great package for any AFL club.

SC Paige: Perhaps one of the most deadliest users of the footy in this year's draft, Jack Billings is a rare and special talent who's game nous, and weapon of a left foot hurts the opposition if given too much room. Billings has been lauded for his sticky hands, and is exceptional overhead and in the air. When the ball hits ground level, Billings has an uncanny ability to find his way through and out of traffic, setting up his team mates, or going the journey to kick a goal from close or long range.

Bound For Glory: Billings is an interesting prospect as he is incredibly strong overhead for his height in the same mould as a Jamie Elliot but still has the outside polish and athleticism to move into the midfield. The main question mark over Billings is whether he can develop into a more permanent midfielder like others in the draft top ten this year.

In terms of impact at AFL level, Billings should be able to produce results reasonably early in his career. He's not Jaeger O'Meara ready, but he'll make a similar impact to that of Ollie Wines or Jake Stringer where he will play a few impressive games but not string a heap of them together. Over time Billings will begin to improve his production and with some work on his endurance he might be able to impact AFL games for periods in the midfield as well as up forward.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Billings I feel at the next level likely settles somewhere in the forward half rather than in the midfield. He can certainly pinch-hit on the ball and could be part of a secondary midfield as a forward who rotates into the midfield with his delivery to the forwards that aspect of the game you put him on the ball for, but his ability forward of centre at his size is rare with his footskills and marking ability and it's where he will do the most damage.

Fantasy Prospects

After a very disappointing 2013 for Dream Team forward rookies hopefully Billings can provide some joy. At junior level he's shown he can get plenty of the ball and snag multiple goals but the question is how quickly he can translate those skills to an elite environment. Most of the bottom 10 teams could benefit from drafting a player of his type so hopefully whoever picks him up has the confidence to let him find his feet. Jack will most likely be an inconsistent scorer but certainly has the talent to go 100+ in a game if things go his way. A first round premium price may put some coaches off.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-24/28-days-to-the-draft-meet-jack-billings
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/10/player-profile-jack-billings/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-jack-billings/
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-jack-billings/
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-03/metro-take-top-billings

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khpb8S92Sdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZkS1jiUEAo

Mr.Craig

#13
September 16, 2013, 07:19:27 PM
Before I get asked - I'm waiting until after the SANFL finals to do Aish. ;)

Also, apologies for the cut and paste issues. A certain someone appears to be utterly indifferent about addressing the problem.

Mr.Craig

#14
September 16, 2013, 08:11:42 PM Last Edit: November 21, 2013, 08:30:23 PM by Mr.Craig
Ben Lennon



Northern Knights 5/7/95 187cm/79kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 12 Richmond

2012 TAC Ave: 75.6
2013 TAC Ave: 112.8*

*Stats not available for his March 22 game vs Calder but I do know he was named in the best and kicked two goals so it's fair to say he had a big one.

Profile

Lennon has come on in leaps and bounds during the last twelve months to now sit as a potential top 10 draft selection. A utility player, he has the ability to hold down multiple positions whether it be across half back, rotating through the midfield or as a damaging forward (10 goals in 7 games this year). A busy 2013 has seen him juggle school commitments, TAC games, an AIS/AFL trip to Europe along with representing Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championships.

Ben played four games at the Champs, winning All Australian honours and averaging 12.5 disposals, 4.2 marks along with kicking 7.7 for an average of 60.2 DT. Lennon's form at TAC level has been superb, averaging 25.6 disposals, 7.3 marks and 3.5 tackles with DT scores of 128, 119, 123, 137, 112 and 58 (one game missing). I like the looks of this kid and I think his flexibility enhances the likelihood of him seeing some decent action in 2014.

SC Paige: Gifted with versatility and explosiveness, Lennon makes big impacts on games no matter which position he plays in. Some prefer him up forward, where his marking ability is second to none, and his goal nous - either on the run or from a set shot is ultra-reliable. Lennon has a booming kick that penetrates well over 60 metres, which if in defence, plays a bit similar to Shannon Hurn. Up forward, Lennon is very smart, he does like to wheel around and carry on after marking and can finish with ease from outside 50, or hit up a target inside 50 lace out. Lennon has terrific pace, makes multiple leads, and has his running patterns down pat. Lennon is a brilliant tracker of the ball, is also very agile, mobile and clean beneath his knees and has a knack of kicking multiple goals.

Bound For Glory: Lennon has been trialled in a number of positions including off a wing, half back and most recently up forward. It is the latter where he has started to become a lethal weapon and a serious target in the forward fifty. Alongside Billings in the Vic Metro forward line, Lennon pushed his credentials from a late first round pick into top ten contention, marking everything sent his way and creating havoc off a half forward flank. While he's missed the bulk of TAC Cup matches due to the Under 18s Championships and AIS commitments, Lennon has relished his role in the forward line and has put his hand up as someone that could do damage at AFL level from early on in his career.

Mad Monday: Ben Lennon is a highly sought after utility who has impressed recently as a half forward. Seen as a future leader at AFL level, he is a strong mark (elite overhead mark) and has an elite kick. Lennon can use his balanced right foot to either set up his team from defence, or by setting up/kicking goals up forward. Lennon is still learning the trade of being a midfielder, but already has the ability to win a contest. With his height and versatility I can see him becoming a similar prospect to Brendan Goddard. Lennon just needs to build his endurance. and I can see him becoming an A grader.

Callum Twomey: A bit of a wildcard because he could sneak up a couple of spots with a strong end to the year. Lennon's not tall enough to play key position but he marks like a big forward and might be the best kick in the draft. Tries things with the ball and most of them come off. Kicked four goals in the second half to lead Metro to victory over Western Australia.

Fantasy Prospects

Another draftee who could receive a handy DPP listing, Lennon definitely has enough going for him to be on the radar. A lot of his relevancy will come down to which team picks him and what role they want him to play. Put him on your NAB Cup watch list.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-02/19-days-to-the-draft-meet-ben-lennon
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-ben-lennon/
http://boundforglorynews.com/tac-cup-player-focus-ben-lennon/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/08/player-profile-ben-lennon/
http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1683674/top-marks-for-ben-lennons-hectic-year/
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-04-05/ben-lennon
http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?c=1-3020-111703-0-0&sID=56253&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=24452305

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE6qTRw0NDM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpvH6E1Uc-E
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