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

[Mr.Craig]

Joshua Kelly



Sandringham Dragons 12/2/95 182cm/73kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 2 GWS

2012 TAC Ave: 84.3
2013 TAC Ave: 112.6

$260,200 Mid

Profile

Kelly was touted as a potential Mini Draft selection in 2012 but was eventually overlooked for Martin and Hogan. He is a certified ball magnet, 2013 All Australian and one of the elite runners in the draft pool. The AFL-AIS graduate was a joint winner of the Ben Mitchell medal which is awarded by the academy in recognition of courage, leadership and teamwork. Last year the award was given to Joe Daniher. After having a somewhat quiet start to the season by his standards Josh came alive during the Championships, averaging an impressive 27.2 disposals and 106 DT points. His performances in the TAC over the last two years show a pattern of utter dominance, failing to register more than 20 disposals only a handful of times. Kelly is also a capable goalkicker who has averaged one a game over the course of his TAC career. His DT scores for year have been 78, 92, 135, 135, 131 and 105.

Bound For Glory: Kelly is a midfielder who can also spend time running off the half back flank. He has fantastic ball use and brings other players into the game. One bonus with Kelly compared to other outside ball winners is the fact he isn't afraid to win his own ball in a contest. A feature of his game is a pinpoint 30 to 35-metre pass that spears through a couple of opposition players to hit his teammate on the chest. A key concern for Kelly from the recruiters' perspectives would be his body size as he is still quite light and wouldn't really make an immediate impact at AFL level. In terms of comparison, Kelly has the traits of a number of players. He wins his own ball despite being primarily an outside midfielder and hits targets nine times out of ten. He has that Brett Deledio look about him but probably an even better kick minus the strength which means he can also be considered a Trent Cotchin with more versatility. Kelly could very well become a top midfielder at AFL level with natural progression and good work ethic.

Knightmare (BigFooty): His endurance testing is up with the very best with his beep test and 3k time trial scores elite and his repeat sprint scores excellent. Not only does Kelly have that elite outside running game and ability to accumulate that outside ball but his skill set is also exquisite and is just that really precise user of the footy with his footskills in particular impressive just using the ball very efficiently hitting the intended target every time.

SC Paige: Kelly is a massive accumulator of the footy, has elite awareness, terrific vision in traffic, and Kelly's efficient ball use saw him finish inside the top 1% of all players to take part in this year's National Championships. Kelly also has a fantastic pedigree, his father Phil played 61 games with North Melbourne, and was a two-time Sandover Medalist in the WAFL. Kelly is all class, although he has a light frame, his ability to look motionless through traffic, as if he has all the time in the world, is akin to similar traits of Scott Pendlebury - he is a smooth mover.

Callum Twomey: Kelly found his feet in the Championships having had a quieter start to the season at TAC Cup level. At the moment he is most comfortable as an outside midfielder, and that's where he racked up an average of 27 possessions for Vic Metro in four games. One of the players of the carnival. It wouldn't surprise if Kelly is a top three pick come November.

Fantasy Prospects

Kelly obviously needs to build up his body before being considered as an AFL regular so it will be interesting to see how he looks physically closer to Round 1. There is no questioning his scoring potential however which is as good as any rookie out there, it's just a matter of if he lands at the right club, can string a decent amount of games together and avoid too many vests. If he does then you'll be looking at a very handy cow indeed.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-22/30-days-to-the-draft-meet-josh-kelly
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-josh-kelly/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-josh-kelly/
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/just-17-kellys-day-will-come-20130327-2gun1.html
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-03-20/prime-prospect-sandringham-dragon-josh-kelly

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFXANHykO4A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFX8pVKquN8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMWVU8S0wNI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEzcwrHGNGg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nH1ctmaH_s

[tbagrocks]

I predict Kelly will play a bit next year, great kid for any who draft him!

[Master Q]

Is Kelly to Saints pretty much a done deal?

Do you have a Big Footy account Craigy? 

[Mr.Craig]

Luke McDonald



Werribee Tigers 188cm/80kg 9/2/95

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 8 North Melbourne

2012 TAC Ave: 100
2013 VFL Ave: 64.2

Profile

The affable McDonald will join North Melbourne in 2014 under the father/son rule. He's a jack of all trades who can play a variety of roles but will most likely find a place rebounding off half back, at least in the early part of his career. Even without the father/son it's widely regarded that McDonald would be inside the top 10 draft prospects for this year's pool. He's a good size and has the kind of skill set and positional flexibility that usually have clubs salivating.

McDonald was named in the 2012 U/18 All Australian team and at the 2013 Championships he played four games for Vic Metro (who he captained), averaging 10.2 kicks, 9.7 handballs, 4.5 marks and 2 tackles for 71 DT per match. His disposal efficiency across the Champs was an impressive 82.5%. In the VFL he played 15 games for Werribee with DT scores of 110, 65, 51, 39, 48, 53, 48, 33, 53, 84, 50, 49, 100, 101 and 80. Luke's progression through TAC and VFL football has been structured to give him the best opportunity at elite success and it's likely he'll make an impact in his debut year.

Callum Twomey: North Melbourne will use its first pick at the draft on McDonald, having already committed to him as a father-son selection. They're likely to get a bargain too, with McDonald one of the top prospects. Has played mainly off a half-back flank, where his raking left-foot kick, footy instincts and competitiveness have been suited.

Bound For Glory: McDonald is an outside midfielder who can find his own ball and use it incredibly well. While the likes of Aish, Salem and Kelly are ahead of him, McDonald is still in the next bracket of users. McDonald is also very versatile and can play up forward to hit the scoreboard while drifting back to defence in order to cover another player and create plays from the half back line and break the zones. He's also strong overhead and is able to read the play well which is why McDonald is such a talented proposition.

It will be no surprise that McDonald will play some AFL matches next year given he is effectively already in the system through his time with Werribee this year. If McDonald can continue to improve, a midfield that contains himself as well as Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington and Andrew Swallow will be one to watch for the future.

SC Paige: There is plenty to like in McDonald for North fans, for junior McDonald is an elite kick - and not just over 30-50 metres, he hits targets lace out, under pressure from well over 60 metres. Best utilised off a half back, McDonald is calm under pressure, and a brilliant defensive mark. The Vic Metro captain is a beauty; he can play any position on the ground with ease, and should make the transition into a goal-kicking midfielder in years to come and hurts opposition with his line-break speed that makes him a genuine 100m player. He's quite accomplished in a one on one contest, elite in the air, and unbeatable once the ball hits the deck, and demonstrated in the National Championships that he can even play a tagging role.

Marty Allison: "He's a very gregarious, outgoing, extrovert type, so he naturally draws people to him. And he's got the ability to relate to those who are not extroverted. I think he's got a really good balance of being an inside-outside midfielder. There's a lot to look forward to if you're a North Melbourne supporter. I see him playing firstly in a defensive role, the same way Richmond managed Brandon Ellis. Get him behind the footy a little bit first, where he is comfortable."

Scott West: "He's a kid that works hard and is willing to learn, so he's a very coachable player. Any time you step up from the TAC Cup to senior footy and you're able to impact a game like that, it's really pleasing signs. He reads the play pretty well. I think that's a real bonus. and he can play a few roles."

Fantasy Prospects

Presuming he gets defender or DPP status Luke is one to strongly consider. While his VFL numbers haven't been huge, the experience will better prepare him to take the next step and play games in 2014. He did go 100+ three times and for an 18 year old to do that at VFL level is pretty darn impressive. I think the Kangaroos have room to fit him in across their half back line and performances permitting he should get a decent run and make some good money.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-15/six-days-to-the-draft-meet-luke-mcdonald
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-07/north-secures-mcdonald
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-luke-mcdonald/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-luke-mcdonald/
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/future-roo-sets-high-standards-20130611-2o26b.html
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/draft-watch-north-melbourne-set-to-pay-a-high-price-for-gun-father-son-pick-luke-mcdonald/story-fni5f986-1226662109628
http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3020-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=24064459
http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?client=1-118-10455-0-0&sID=56269&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=25039748

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVGtWcoxzYc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phuN6sFKVAg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojFMVeXIzQ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjMdskchXRo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFYa5zkDZXo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v0pk69Jz0o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y41dlqNsQgo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXGqpN7KLLI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7lV6puBkSY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3iM-9_95n8

[Mr.Craig]

Is Kelly to Saints pretty much a done deal?

Do you have a Big Footy account Craigy?

No, I don't think it's a done deal but it's probably out of him and Scharenberg. Aish might be a small chance to slip to 3 and Billings could be a bolter if they want someone more offensive.

Don't have a BigFooty account. No particular reason, just don't.

[Master Q]

Is Kelly to Saints pretty much a done deal?

Do you have a Big Footy account Craigy?

No, I don't think it's a done deal but it's probably out of him and Scharenberg. Aish might be a small chance to slip to 3 and Billings could be a bolter if they want someone more offensive.

Don't have a BigFooty account. No particular reason, just don't.

Oh ok. I've spoken to a lot of people and they are confident Kelly will go #3.

Prior to that I heard that he is over hyped, and way to skinny for a No.3 pick (looking at you, Mr.Toumpas). Personally, I think the Bulldogs are hoping Scharenberg slips to them - looks like the next Brendan Goddard!

Loving your work buddy  :)

[Mr.Craig]

Matthew Crouch



North Ballarat Rebels 21/4/95 181cm/80kg

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 23 Adelaide

2012 TAC Ave: 94.2
2013 TAC Ave: 125.0*

Stats for August 24 game vs Oakleigh not available.

Profile

The younger brother of Brad, Matt Crouch is an inside mid and one of the most prolific ball winners in TAC history. As a 17 year old in 2012 he averaged 25.6 disposals, 10.4 handball receives and 4.3 tackles a game while being named in the best for the Rebels on 9/15 occasions. This year he suffered a hand injury which limited his involvement in the Under 18 Championships (two games at 69.5 DT) but his TAC performances show he is continuing to improve, averaging a whopping 37 disposals per game along with picking up 16 handball receives, 3.3 marks and 6.3 tackles a game for DT scores of 123, 107, 128, 140, 120 and 132. He was named in the best for every single game.

Bound For Glory: Often touted as one of the best inside midfielders of the TAC competition, Crouch has incredible vision and awareness for the game that allows him to read the ball well before his opponent. This has progressively developed over the years spent in junior football, school football and continues to do so with every round of the TAC Cup. His decision-making - especially in pressure situations - enables him to win clearances and anticipate the opposition's movements. Consequently, Crouch's balance is achieved through his defensive game where he is quick around stoppages and monumental in pushing the ball forward. What may let him down is his slight lack of athleticism that could weaken his work rate - a factor he will no doubt seek to work on come the AFL national combine in order to provide stiff competition against the relatively even top few potential draftees.

Callum Twomey: Perhaps the most effective inside midfielder in the pool. Unfortunately missed the first three rounds of the championships after breaking his hand in April but picked up 27 disposals in game five. Crouch has worked on his running and is getting to more and more contests, where he's always a good chance to come out with the ball.

SC Paige: Crouch attacks a lot of the ball, and defensively is fantastic, averaging 5 tackles a game in the TAC cup, and 6 clearances per match. Crouch has very quick hands, is quick to get boot to ball in a pressure situation, and his work on the inside has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 2013 he has established his outside game, which sees him inside the top 10% at TAC Cup level for handball receives, demonstrating his ability to spread. Crouch has fantastic awareness, can sum up a situation very quickly, and is quite a good kick of the ball when given space.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Hard at the ball and a really natural inside extractor burrowing in, winning the ball and setting up the receivers outside of the pack by hand with that real inside distributing side of his game particularly excellent. He does it as well as any and just thrives on that contested ball type game as that clearance specialist. Crouch is also an exceptional tackler showing strong tackling technique and really going in hard with those tackles and it seems to be another area of the game that he just really enjoys. Athletically Matt is not nearly as explosive as his older brother Brad but has shown some improvement over the past season in his foot speed which is encouraging.

Fantasy Prospects

Crouch's status as a ball magnet will hopefully see him fast-tracked towards an AFL debut. There are some concerns about his lack of pace and sometimes his kicking efficiency is on the wrong side of 50%, but that can be forgiven for a player who gains many of his possessions in tight, contested situations. It's probably unrealistic to expect him to have the same impact that Brad did in his debut season but he should be on everyone's shortlist for a mid rookie spot in their 2014 Dream Team.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-01/20-days-to-the-draft-meet-luke-dunstan
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-matt-crouch/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-matt-crouch/
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-30/hand-break-wont-drag-crouch-down
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/crouch-makes-his-move-20120629-2187i.html

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZqGzWP9yTo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-R6mjIcOwY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eK8hadP-VQ

[Nige]

From the sounds of it, Matt Crouch could definitely be one of the better fantasy prospects in this draft, I probably haven't look as much into him as others, was a great read.

Once again, stellar effort Craig!  8)

[Vinny]

This is guy is exciting! Hope he is as good as his brother 8)

[Nige]

Found out not too long ago that one of my good mates from high school and my counsellor's son could potentially be drafted.

Has been playing for Sandy Dragons (which I knew) but has also played a few games for the Zebras in the VFL. His name's James (Jimmy) Munro, really good guy. Hope he gets picked up.  8)

[Mr.Craig]

Found out not too long ago that one of my good mates from high school and my counsellor's son could potentially be drafted.

Has been playing for Sandy Dragons (which I knew) but has also played a few games for the Zebras in the VFL. His name's James (Jimmy) Munro, really good guy. Hope he gets picked up.  8)

Yeah, I believe there has been some mention of him. Considering the way he transitioned so well from TAC to VFL he'd have to be looked at. Even more impressive that he did it after hardly playing any football as a junior.

Couldn't see if he got an invite to the Combine but he does have himself an agent.

[Nige]

Found out not too long ago that one of my good mates from high school and my counsellor's son could potentially be drafted.

Has been playing for Sandy Dragons (which I knew) but has also played a few games for the Zebras in the VFL. His name's James (Jimmy) Munro, really good guy. Hope he gets picked up.  8)

Yeah, I believe there has been some mention of him. Considering the way he transitioned so well from TAC to VFL he'd have to be looked at. Even more impressive that he did it after hardly playing any football as a junior.

Couldn't see if he got an invite to the Combine but he does have himself an agent.

Yeah, it would be awesome to see him get drafted, especially after Woody and Biscuits in 2011. Still got the Nodder pride in me. :P But yeah, Jimmy was an absolute freak at hockey all through school, he led the team really well and constantly featured in the best, so I was really surprised when I found out he was playing with Sandy in the TAC. He had a run in the Young Guns game last week before that VFL game. 

[tbagrocks]

Some silly talk of the crows trading to get a pick to nab Crouch M2 :o  Doubt it but, watch how aggressive we are in trading!

Very keen to see when Darcy Hourigan falls

[Vinny]

Haha I would honestly love to see the Crouch brothers line-up together but against each other will be just as good.

Ball magnet vs Ball Magnet 8)

[tbagrocks]

Haha I would honestly love to see the Crouch brothers line-up together but against each other will be just as good.

Ball magnet vs Ball Magnet 8)

Just say we nab the #8, James Aish is still there with Crouch! What would we do then :o  Aish of course as we have 45 Crouches already but

Interesting at least for me, to think about

Crows will get high pick mark my word! ;)