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

[specky92]

Time for the 'Sharpshooters'. Kicking them off... Ben Lennon

next one will be Rebounders, I'm calling it,  :P

EDIT: just noticed there is 3 sections to go, Updated prediction
Next: Key position players, forward and back followed by rucks followed by 'Rebounders'

[Nige]

Hadn't heard of this Gray lad. Looks the goods though.

[Toga]

Yeah there was an article on him in the paper here in SA this morning, good year in the SANFL, was pipped in the Magarey Medal by Matty Thomas I think?

I was expecting him to be the brother of Robbie or something but no mention of it :P

[Vinny]

I swear that is just Heath Shaw with a beard. :o

[Nige]

Say hello to Jay Kenned-Harris

[Mr.Craig]

Jay Kennedy-Harris



Oakleigh Chargers 21/3/95 173cm/68kg

Drafted: Round 3, Pick 40 Melbourne

2012 TAC Ave: 67.5
2013 TAC Ave: 87.6*

*Stats not available for one game

Profile

Jay Kennedy-Harris was co-captain of the Oakleigh Chargers this year (the first indigenous player to do so) and has transitioned from a small forward to a damaging midfielder, although he will likely find himself as a forward initially if he gets an AFL opportunity. At TAC level in 2013 he had a number of excellent games but also had a few where he had little impact. Jay's DT scores for the season were 66, 126, 41, 100, 132, 119, 71, 52, 87 and 82. For Vic Metro in the Under 18 Championships Kennedy-Harris didn't get a heap of the ball but still averaged 17 touches, 3.2 marks and 3 tackles a game for a DT average of 69. Jay raised eyebrows with the follow tweet during the finals series -

Jay Kennedy Harris ‏@kennedyharrisj
why aren't Sydney players allowed around young children? ...because they're considered a choking hazard #AFLHawksSwans

The tweet has since been deleted but it indicates that it's not just his body that needs to develop before he becomes a quality AFL player. It's likely at this stage that he'll need time at reserves level and in the weight room before he's ready to get on the park but he could see some action later on in 2014 depending on which team picks him up (probably not Sydney :P).

SC Paige: Kennedy-Harris has plenty of attributes to make it to the next level, not only is he the co-captain of the Oakleigh Chargers, but he has pace, speed, and has developed his engine so much so, that you could probably class him more as a midfielder than a forward going off his 2013 form. Kennedy-Harris draws comparisons to Geelong ace, Travis Varcoe; he doesn't win a huge amount of possessions, but it's the quality of his disposal that equates to having 30-odd touches in a game. Kennedy-Harris knows his strengths and backs them in more often than not; taking the game on, playing on quickly and creating coast-to-coast play with ease, or otherwise finishing in front of goal himself.

Bound For Glory: He's a dual midfielder that drifts forward late in games and can be dangerous around goals. With improvements on his endurance, he could become a very important player for an AFL club. Listed at only 173 cm and 68 kgs, Kennedy-Harris immediately gets placed into that short midfield-forward group. It would be ignorant to write of Kennedy-Harris because of this fact as his talent far exceeds the gaping doubt over his size. While Kennedy-Harris won't be able to put on that much more weight, he is already unbelievably strong in the core. Ideally over a few pre-seasons he could end up being close to 80 kgs, but that may damage his running ability. It's typical for him to completely dominate the first half then go missing for 20 minutes. That unfortunately can be attributed to his lack of endurance; however that can easily be worked on. He may start out as an ideal sub candidate in the AFL, as his work in bursts is sublime.

Mad Monday: Whenever I sit down and watch Jay play, I can't help but get excited whenever he gets his hands on the pill. A lot of unpredictability about the way he plays, with his eye-catching zip across the ground and using his speed to carry the ball from defence and convert it into an attacking situation for either Vic Metro or the Oakleigh Chargers. The one thing that impresses me about his game is his willingness to take the game on, and is not afraid to back his skill to beat his direct opponent and hold him accountable. He has terrific line-breaking speed, is a strong tackler for a small bloke and can play anywhere across the ground and provide that intangible "x-factor" for any team.

Fantasy Prospects

Going missing in games and being a likely vest candidate should be two red flags but on the plus side Jay can put in some nice scores when he wants to. I doubt I would consider him for a midfield spot unless he hit the bubble at a really ideal time. If he's fortunate enough to snag M/F DPP then I'd be a little more tempted given the relative weakness of the forward rookie options.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-03/18-days-to-the-draft-meet-jay-kennedyharris
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-25/kennedyharris-tac-cup
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-20/jay-kennedyharris
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-jay-kennedy-harris/
http://boundforglorynews.com/kennedy-harris-relishes-the-pressure/
http://boundforglorynews.com/tac-cup-player-focus-jay-kennedy-harris/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/11/player-profile-jay-kennedy-harris/

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyIvBNLIxd4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ0EhajC8eM

[Mr.Craig]

Eli Templeton



Burnie Dockers 19/8/95 182cm/75kg

2013 TSL Ave: TBC
2013 TAC Ave: 93

Profile

Templeton is a slightly built outside midfielder from Tasmania. His shock of blond hair brings to mind Dyson Heppell but so does his stamina and composure with the ball. Eli was part of the AIS/AFL Academy but a poor 2012 saw him cut from the squad, however he bounced back strongly this year playing 11 games in the TSL Seniors for Burnie. As part of the Tassie Mariners, Templeton played two games in the TAC and performed very well with DT scores of 102 and 84. However it has been his U/18 Champs and Combine results which have really thrust Eli into the draft spotlight. At the Champs he averaged an impressive 22.7 disposals, 3.7 marks and 4.5 tackles for 90.7 DT per game. His Combine results included a seventh placing in the 3k time trial and a fourth in the beep test.

AFL.com recently listed Eli as 75kg but most draft profiles have him at 67kg. I think the truth is most likely somewhere in between but suffice to say he needs to do a fair bit of work on his body in the next six months if he wants to be competitive at AFL level.

SC Paige: Templeton's versatility is a huge draw card, demonstrating his ability to play either end of the ground and through the midfield where he spent majority of the Championships. Templeton has been a player who has dominated throughout the junior ranks, playing state football since the age of 14, and this carried through to senior games later on with Burnie in the TSL. Templeton is very slight, nimble but a very good user of the football. He has the ability to accumulate high numbers, largely thanks to a well-developed aerobic base that allows him to get across the ground with ease.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Templeton is a high motor midfielder with the versatility to also play forward or back. Has a very light body but despite this has a very advanced game and has dominated throughout his junior footy with his form in the U16s particularly dominant but then has also played plenty of senior footy in Tasmania showing he can mix it with the bigger bodies. Templeton is a very clean user of the footy and uses it well by hand and foot. A real accumulator and has the ability to do some damage with a penetrating kick on him as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard. Templeton can win some of his own ball but given his light frame likely finds a role as an outside player.

Bound For Glory: Templeton is a lethal short kick and he's got great awareness in terms of finding players in great positions. Unlike players with a lower football IQ, he's a great lateral thinker and he calculates his kicks well. Occasionally he'll take a risky kick, but usually his skills are sharp enough to execute the kick well. Obviously the other thing that Templeton needs to improve in is his strength. He's only 67 kg so he gets pushed off the ball when he's in the centre. Having said that, he's a decent clearance player. He just needs time to develop that strength. As a running player, Templeton is a great distributor. He could start on the wing or off half back for an AFL team, although he won't make an immediate impact.

Mad Monday: Eli has the required skill-set necessary to serve a long and successful career in the AFL. He has everything that all AFL clubs are looking for in an effective half-back in the modern game: endurance, decision-making, defensive awareness and high disposal numbers via possession gains. Along with his partner-in-crime in Kade Kolodjashnij, Eli has put together a very consistent 5 games in the U18 Championships this year to further persuade AFL recruiters that he is worth placing higher on the projection list, and would make life easier for senior coaches hoping to fill some holes in his team's defensive structure in their starting 22. Sits at a reasonable size of 182cm, but may need to spend more devoted time at the gym to add some muscle in his development years to add strength to his list of AFL-ready attributes.

Fantasy Prospects

Probably a mid season downgrade target at best but I'd expect him to be a viable cash cow when he does become available.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-28/24-days-to-the-draft-meet-eli-templeton
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-20/eli-templeton
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-10-28/draft-insider-meet-eli-templeton
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-eli-templeton/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-eli-templeton/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/09/player-profile-eli-templeton/

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZsmzstZTKU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51NT-wivS9Y

[Nige]

Ah yes, that infamous tweet.

[Nige]

Mr. Unpredictable - Jonathon Marsh

[Nige]

This is Zach Merrett.

[Nige]

They're calling this batch 'Big Units'. Kicking it off - Darcy Gardiner.

[Mr.Craig]

Alex Spina



North Adelaide 27/6/95 181cm/75kg

2013 SANFL Under 18 Ave: 110*
2013 SANFL Reserves Ave: 69.1

*One game missing

Profile

Spina is an exciting medium forward/crumber who has the potential to move into the midfield as his career progresses. He spent most of 2013 playing in the SANFL Reserves where he had some up and down performances, being named in the best for 3/12 games and scoring 59, 79, 35, 63, 64, 95, 90, 79, 38, 68, 75 and 85. Alex played three games in the Under 18's including the prelim and grand final, I wasn't able to unearth his stats for the prelim but he scored 132 and 88 in the other two games. Spina didn't have a lot of impact in the U/18 Championships but some of that was out of his control, he still managed to average 17.2 disposals, 2.8 marks and 2.8 tackles per game while also kicking 4 goals (DT average: 67.8).

SC Paige: At 181cms, Spina plays as that small to medium forward, who adds instance substance, impact and fire power to any side. The damaging forward shows the potential to become a midfielder, given he is ultra-cool under pressure, loves to get busy in traffic, and has elite agility and athleticism to create from the midfield, where his endurance base in verging on elite. Spina loves to sell the candy, he has a good goose-step, and brings with him a touch of flamboyancy and x-factor, whilst his ability to finish on goal is the hallmark of his game. Coming into the draft, Spina was described as having "one of the cleanest set of skills you'll see" out of this year's intake. He's got the scope to really take his game to the next level and play as a midfielder who can go forward, rather than a forward who can rotate through the midfield.

Knightmare (BigFooty): He probably lacked the impact through the U18 champs many of us hoped and hasn't stood out as much as I'd like in the games I've seen. On the positive though he has some nice attributes which suggest potential. Spina is one of those guys who with ball in hand is so composed under pressure and in traffic seems showing that he has more time than most and can effectively use ball fakes and his evasive ability to get out of trouble and generate an opening which sets him apart. Spina is a very damaging user of the footy with his footskills in particular a class above with the damage he can do and his ability to hit targets consistently.

Bound For Glory: With the new interchange cap rule coming in and the substitute rule already in play, Spina will become a valuable commodity early on in his career coming off the bench and making an impact. He'll be keen to build further on his endurance and consistency, but he does have that excitement factor that will make him a fan favourite at AFL level. If Spina can progress through to the midfield later in his career like Steve Johnson has, then he will further his career and become an incredibly dangerous midfielder with a piercing kick inside 50. In terms of 2014, Spina is likely to spend most of the year, if not all, in the reserves. He may get a small opportunity to impress at AFL level but it will be more of a taste rather than a permanent spot.

Fantasy Prospects

As Bound For Glory noted, Spina is unlikely to have much of an impact in his first year as he'll be given time to develop his body and skills. Even when he does get a chance there is a strong likelihood of green vests. It's possible he will be a good fantasy pick some time in the future but I'm not sure it will be 2014.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-20/alex-spina
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-alex-spina/
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-alex-spina/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/30/player-profile-alex-spina/
http://www.nafc.com.au/news/p3662.aspx

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ2D3q2jmoc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b-XJE8yF5w

[Mr.Craig]

Zach Merrett



Sandringham Dragons 3/10/95 179cm/76kg

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 26 Essendon

2013 TAC Ave: 102.5

Profile

The brother of Jackson Merrett, Zach is an outside player who can transition through a number of different roles. It's widely regarded that he is among the best decision makers in the draft, if not the best. While his tackling numbers were high in the TAC one of the major knocks on Zach is his defensive efforts and there are questions as to how much his performances were aided by having the likes of gun Sandy teammates Kelly, Salem and Freeman around him. However, as far as I'm concerned you can't teach the attributes he already has but he can learn the ones he's lacking in. Merrett's scores for the year were 95, 82, 77, 132, 126, 112 and 94. In the Under 18 Champs he played all five games, averaging 18.4 disposals, 4.6 marks and 4.8 tackles (DT ave: 82.4). Despite his much-lauded footy smarts he had a poor disposal efficiency of 58.7% during the carnival.

SC Paige: Merrett is the type of player his teammates look to get the ball into the hands of; he is an elite user, has brilliant awareness when going forward of centre and will find a target 9/10 with a well-balanced kick to advantage of the leading player. Merrett also boasts terrific speed, pace and agility and loves to run and carry, streaming forward to either slot a major, send a bullet-like pass inside 50, or get involved in scoring chains; all three of which are common happenings when Merrett has the ball. His link up work is also quite good, getting involved in play in the defensive 50, before a quick "give-and-get" releasing forward of centre.

Bound For Glory: Merrett is a classy ball user, with penetrating short kicks and excellent vision, Merrett is an intelligent play maker across the half forward line. To say he's an elite kick though would be a stretch. He's not an overly big kick of the footy and he's running at 58% kicking efficiency. He's the kind of player who a forward would love delivery from, but his execution can be poor at times. Against North Ballarat he had 22 kicks, but 14 were ineffective. He was named Sandringham's sixth best player that game. In comparison, his kicking can break games open. Against the Northern Knights he was best on ground with only 17 possessions. 11 of his 13 kicks were effective that game, with many coming in dangerous areas.

Mad Monday: The assumption of whether he could make it at AFL level is still a mystery, as his performances at TAC Cup level are very well complemented by his elite teammates that make the midfield group at the Sandy Dragons; this showed when he was playing for the Vic Country squad in this year's U18 Championships, and due to a less than skillful supporting act his performance fluctuated throughout the five rounds. His speed and endurance are however very important and quite transferable attributes at the next level in the modern game, so the sky is the limit for Zach!

Knightmare (BigFooty): Merrett is one of the elite users of the footy in this draft. He's a guy you want the ball in the hands of because with ball in hand he just does big damage kicking it to where his target wants it and executing every time as that real playmaker who can make others look. He's a good tackler for an outside player but being that outside player he struggles to win his own footy and instead relies on that ball outside the contest to thrive and influence games.

Fantasy Prospects

He's one of those guys who will definitely be impacted by which team he ends up at. At the right club Zach could potentially play the 6-8 games required to be a decent cash cow but it's more than likely he'll spend most or all of 2014 at reserves level. One to keep an eye on if he plays NAB games.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-05/16-days-to-the-draft-meet-zach-merrett
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-20/zac-merrett
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-zachary-merrett/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-zach-merrett/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/21/player-profile-zachary-merrett/

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlQUaHlqsQs

[KoopKicka]

hey Mr Craig, can you do one on Nathan Gordon when you get a chance please? :)

[Mr.Craig]

hey Mr Craig, can you do one on Nathan Gordon when you get a chance please? :)

I shall do that.