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

[Nige]

He's a big boy is Hourigan, I know tbag really likes him. He's been trying to persuade me to take him in AXVs.  :P

[Mr.Craig]

Michael Apeness



Eastern Ranges 28/1/95 199cm/101kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 17 Fremantle

2013 TAC Ave: 66.2

Profile

After abandoning his junior football career, Apeness gave rugby union a shot and he was doing quite well at it until his knee gave way requiring a reconstruction. During his rehabilitation he realised AFL was his true calling and in 2013 Michael became an important part of the Eastern Ranges TAC side. The ruck/forward has a nice pair of hands and when his teammate Tom Boyd went down with injury he became the focal point, ending up with 23 goals for the season. Given his desire to engage in the bash and crash side of things it's no surprise that Apeness' tackling has been highlighted as strength. His DT scores for the season were 41, 43, 89, 65, 24, 57, 47, 59, 82, 107, 59, 70, 93, 65 and 92. In the Champs he played all five games, averaging 9.8 disposals, 3.2 marks, 19 hitouts and a goal for a DT average of 73.2

Bound For Glory: His body size is similar to Boyd's which enables him to use his strength in one on one situations to put himself in the best position to take the mark. He is also a very good contested mark of the ball and very strong overhead. Drifting into the forward line has also improved his goalkicking, as he's chipped in with 15 goals so far this season. As there aren't many quality ruckmen in this year's draft pool, this gives Apeness another advantage over potential draftees. His tap work is sensational, and generally always gives his teammates the best chance to get the footy. Apeness is also very competent at ground level. He's not afraid to jump on the ball, even going in for second and third efforts to win the ball for his team, which some ruckmen don't do and if the opposition have the ball, he's also a very strong tackler.

Mad Monday: With the injury to Tom Boyd early in the Round 3 clash against WA, Apeness filled his hole for the rest of the championships, using his big body to out-muscle key defenders and really provide an influence in each of his games for VIC Metro. The unfortunate injury to Tommy may have been a true blessing in disguise for Michael, as he utilised his strong versatility as a ruck-forward while keeping his good form around the stoppages. He may not possess true agility (only a handful of ruckmen have ever had this trait), but his strong hands, body strength and awareness around the football is surely enough to be placed higher in anyone's phantom drafts. AFL clubs looking for an extra tall up forward or back-up ruckman should be seriously considering this bloke, as he could potentially be an absolute steal in the 2013 draft!

SC Paige: Perhaps the hallmark of Apeness' game is his physicality in the air and at ground level; he leaps high with a combative style of play, loves to smash packs and doesn't mind the body contact that playing in the ruck comes with. Apeness has a fantastic sense of vision, a strong communication with his rovers, and knows exactly when to jump, and where to tap the ball to - often slamming the ball down a teammates throat, or pushing it out in front for him to run onto, he is a serious talent. At ground level, Apeness loves to tackle, and is an imposing figure even when the ball hits the ground; he isn't afraid to get down low, and lay some big bone-crunching tackles. Up forward, is where Apeness holds his aces - he is an elite contested mark and unlike some raw ruckmen, Apeness understands how to use his big frame, with elite positioning and the ability to play in front, and protect the ball drop - he's like a young Dean Cox.

Fantasy Prospects

Apeness is still pretty raw and it wouldn't surprise me if he plays the majority of the season at a lower level. Might come into play as a ruck downgrade later in the year.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-03/apeness-looms-large
http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3020-0-0-0&sID=69677&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=24267856
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/apeness-glad-to-be-back-playing-at-his-best-in-first-love-20131003-2uxfg.html
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-michael-apeness/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/05/player-profile-michael-apeness/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-michael-apeness/

[stew42]

That pick makes him look like a giant! Plus he has a pretty cool last name  :D

[T Dog]

Almost the same size as Big Boy McEvoy ::)

[Mr.Craig]

Lloyd Perris



Sydney Swans 2/1/95 179cm/74kg

2013 NEAFL Ave: 81.5
2013 TAC Ave: 156

Profile

Perris had a fantastic 2013 which saw him perform at a consistently high standard in the NEAFL, win All Australian honours at the Under 18 Championships and tour Europe with the AIS-AFL academy (winning the Cameron Ling Medal and sharing the Ben Mitchell Medal with Josh Kelly). His scores in the NEAFL for the year were 29, 53, 85, 87, 76, 90, 104, 112 and 98. As part of the NSW/ACT Rams Perris played one TAC game where he destroyed the Murray Bushrangers for 36 disposals and 156 DT. At the Champs Lloyd averaged 23.2 disposals and 95.6 DT. Sydney has committed to taking him with their last selection in the rookie draft.

Bound For Glory: Perris is an elite runner and it is the main strength to his game. He has a huge motor and it allows him to get from contest to contest around the ground. His work rate is immense and he runs both ways, a quality which is greatly desirable in the open, flowing modern game. Perris is a very smart footballer and this helps him on the field, allowing him to run to the right spots both offensively and defensively. He always seems to be where the ball is and that is because he runs to the right spot every time and has got to the contest early enough to set up and give himself time to pick the right option. Perris has very good inside ability but his outside game is far less polished. He is one of the better stoppage players in the draft this year, despite not having the large frame of other bullocking inside mids. Although he is a good kick, Perris does not have the elite disposal or weapons that many of the likely top draft prospects do.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Another of those classic Sydney midfielders who just fits their drafting profile so perfectly. Perris is one of those high character guys with future leadership potential who just goes about his footy the right way and will almost certainly get the most out of his footballing ability. Perris has elite endurance and is a two real two way runner who can find plenty of the footy but then limit his direct opponents influence on the contest. He's not a strong body but he has some real hardness over the footy and can win his own ball while also displaying ability on the outside. He's also a really nice user of the footy both by hand and foot and seems to make the right decisions so Sydney have really got something in young Perris.

Fantasy Prospects

We're unlikely to see the Swans blood as many players as they did in 2013. Perris will need to ply his trade in the NEAFL and hope he can earn a rookie upgrade during the season. There's a few things he still needs to work on but I definitely like his scoring potential. Vests could be a serious issue though.

Media

http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-lloyd-perris/
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-signs-exciting-prospect-lloyd-perris-to-rookie-deal/story-fnfll94y-1226731780193
http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2013-07-12/perris-impresses-at-national-champs
http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2013-01-22/perris-preseason-challenge

[Mr.Craig]

Patrick Cripps



East Fremantle 18/3/95 190cm/89kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 13 Carlton

2013 WAFL Colts Ave: 83.1
2013 WAFL Reserves Ave: 23

Profile

The third cousin of Jamie Cripps, Patrick is a tall inside midfielder from WA who co-captained his state in the Under 18 Championships and earned himself an All Australian nod. He has a proven ball winning ability and the composure to use it effectively once he gets in space. Cripps has a good engine but doesn't have the pace to burn off opponents from stoppages, however more often than not he can find a teammate running past to dish off to. He averaged 19 disposals and 3 tackles during the Champs with a DT average of 64.8. At state level, Cripps had a number of high possession games for DT scores of 67, 114, 106, 74, 83, 52, 93, 132, 84, 51, 32 and 109. His one game in the reserves only netted him 23 points.

SC Paige: Cripps plied his trade as an inside, ball winning and extracting machine, whilst also playing in stints across half back showing a bit of versatility to on-looking recruiters. Cripps craves a contest, he's very much in a Luke Ball mould (but with a few more cms on him), and has the body shape that'll quite easily be up to the rigours of AFL football. With a big engine, Cripps is a fairly good runner, but won't damage you as a burst-away prospect, but he is so vital to on-ball structures, and offers so much in the way of tackling, clearances and shovelling the ball out of packs to a player running past, that as an inside player - it really can't be measured. Cripps could make an immediate impact in 2014 if drafted to a bottom 8 club that needs a classy inside midfielder, a bit in the same way Ollie Wines has impacted in his first year at Port Adelaide, or could spend a bit of time in a reserves competition, where he could be groomed to take over a role in the coming years.

Bound For Glory: Cripps is an above average ball user for an inside player. He is not the typical inside mid who wins a hard ball and throws it straight onto the boot, not caring where it goes and often bringing rain down from the sky. Cripps takes a couple of steadying steps and delivers to his teammates more often than not or realises his limitations and handpasses to a teammate with better skills. He also has excellent vision which gives him that extra split second to concentrate on hitting his target rather than spending valuable time trying to find someone to give it off to. Cripps isn't the type of player to hurt you with his disposal, but there are very few inside midfielders who do. Think of him more as an Ollie Wines who you often don't notice but find out that he has accumulated 20 possessions in a game and has set up many attacking raids with a sneaky handball out of a pack. The most glaring weakness in Pat Cripps' game is his lack of athleticism. Cripps is not slow but he isn't very fast either.

Mad Monday: Patrick is a pure inside midfielder and clearance machine, with an AFL-ready body structure that could see him being slotted into any midfield group whose team is struggling for depth in that department. He has tried to rotate as an outside midfielder, but his kicking and pace lets him down when transitioning into this role; he is a very coachable kid, and could work on his weaknesses in time to become more of a hybrid mid rather than a true insider. A lower team that is desperate for firepower in the stoppages will be looking at him extensively if they are looking for a sudden change come the start of the 2014 season!

Fantasy Prospects

There are a few things going against Cripps. His kick/handball ratio isn't great and he doesn't mark or tackle enough at this stage to put in consistently high scores. However he's a good size, should avoid a first round premium and has a better chance than some others at being a feature in 2014. I'm still on the fence but he's one to look out for.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-31/21-days-to-the-draft-meet-patrick-cripps
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-patrick-cripps/
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-patrick-cripps/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/07/18/player-profile-patrick-cripps/

[Mr.Craig]

Jonathon Marsh



East Fremantle 17/10/95 191cm/89kg

Drafted: Round 5, Pick 77 Collingwood

2013 WAFL Colts Ave: 67.6

$135,500 Forward

Profile

Jonathon is the younger brother of Sydney's Harry Marsh and looks set to join his sibling on an AFL list in 2014. He's a utility/forward who has generated quite a buzz throughout the year due to his combination of agility, speed and goalkicking potential. Marsh could consider himself somewhat unlucky to not make the U/18 All Australian team because he had a very good carnival, with the second most inside 50's of any player, kicking 9 goals and averaging 14.4 disposals (66 DT).

At the recent Combine, Marsh was a standout performer - finishing 1st in the 20m sprint, 3rd in the repeat sprint and 10th in the vertical jump. Marsh did fairly well in the WAFL Colts this season, picking up 15 odd touches most games but his goalkicking accuracy let him down with a horrendous 20.37 for the year. He also only gathered 11 tackles in his 13 games. Jonathon's DT scores were 52, 44, 70, 97, 80, 41, 62, 48, 58, 66, 92, 106 and 63.

Bound For Glory: Marsh is the kind of forward who will make numerous leads and once he's in front of his opponent, it's all over. He's far too quick for your average defender, and can see off many midfielders as well. He's solid overhead without being incredibly strong, but he has that 'Buddy' feel about him where he could tear a game apart. He doesn't come with the same fanfare that Buddy Franklin did in 2004, but he does have that energy and excitement that Franklin brings to the game. Obviously being 191 cm, he is undersized for a key forward, but given his athleticism, he could play up the ground as well. If anything, Marsh is quicker than Buddy and more accurate with his goal kicking but doesn't quite have the endurance base of Franklin. As mentioned, it's solid but could improve further to help his case of versatility.

Mad Monday: His speed is elite, especially for his size, where defenders will have trouble keeping up. Marsh is a bit of an unknown in terms of how he will go in the AFL, he could easily become the next big thing, if he can work on his consistency in games. Big penetrating right foot kick who is able to kick a big long goal from outside fifty metres on the run. Needs to improve his decision making, but this is due to his mind going at a frantic pace, he just needs to work on his composure. Great marking on a lead, but will need to continually develop his contested marking. His athletic size and height will be a tough match for any opponent, and a delight for teammates who can kick the ball in front of him, and watch him beat his opponent with ease.

SC Paige: Marsh has truckloads of x-factor, and is able to break away from his direct opponent, given his speed off the mark. Marsh is also terrific below his knees, great through his hips, and very strong overhead and in the air. Marsh won't however be a key forward in the AFL, and is more suited to play as a third tall type, but it's what Marsh can offer when the ball is in his hands, that makes him such a creative and dynamic player that will add spice and substance to any teams forward structure. Marsh also has the scope to be turned into a midfielder, a winger or even a dashing half back flanker, and will easily adapt to any position a club requires, he could also become a very good utility player in the years to come.

Fantasy Prospects

Like his brother I'd expect Marsh to hone his skills in the seconds for most, if not all, of 2014. Should he be presented with an opportunity I'd still be cautious because his scoring is unlikely to be attractive.

Media

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-04/17-days-to-the-draft-meet-jonathon-marsh
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-14/marshs-small-order
http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-jonathon-marsh/
http://madmondayshow.com/2013/10/01/player-profile-jonathon-marsh/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-jonathon-marsh/

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro_Sj4mjyGw

[Mr.Craig]

Nicholas Bourke



Geelong Falcons 22/2/95 187cm/79kg

2013 TAC Ave: 76.2

Profile

Bourke is a winger who has played in Geelong's dominant TAC side for the last two years. He didn't have a huge Championships, averaging 13.5 disposals and 5 marks across four games with a DT average of 52.5 and in the TAC he was reasonably consistent without having too many standout performances. Nick's scores for the season were 70, 73, 68, 135, 80, 82, 64, 82, 76, 61 and 48. Depending on who you ask Bourke is either over-rated or under-rated, there are certainly areas of his game which he needs to develop before becoming an AFL regular but there's no question he has enough talent for a club to use a selection on him.

SC Paige: Amongst the array of talent that the Geelong Falcons have thrown up in 2013, Nick Bourke can consider himself not only in elite company, but as an elite player himself. Bourke played mostly through the midfield for the Falcons this year in the TAC Cup, and the rangy wingman's impending AFL career may see him be turned more into a half back type, given his exceptional kick, strong and reliable hands, and his contested marking abilities.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Tall, outside player who really stands out with his line-breaking ability and his strength overhead at his height. Bourke is a real athlete with some real top end pace allowing him to really take on the game and do damage with his run and carry. Bourke also has a long kick on him and is an above average user of the footy. He has some positional range with the ability to play wing, half forward or half back well. Next stage in his development will be winning more of his own footy because at this point it really comes from those handball receives or marks.

Fantasy Prospects

I'd imagine he'll be mid only and I don't think he has the scoring history to suggest he can make decent money compared to some other prospects. As a mid season downgrade? Maybe, but it would rely heavily on his perceived JS and any other rookies he was competing with on the bubble that week.

Media

http://boundforglorynews.com/country-boy-bourke-might-be-the-biggest-steal-of-the-draft/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-nicholas-bourke/
http://www.standard.net.au/story/1246888/rising-footy-stars-get-tips-from-the-top/

[nrich102]

Is he related to Jorden Bourke who plays forthe Lions?

[Mr.Craig]

Is he related to Jorden Bourke who plays forthe Lions?

Their birthday's are 3 months apart so they definitely aren't brothers. I don't think they are cousins either.

[nrich102]

Is he related to Jorden Bourke who plays forthe Lions?

Their birthday's are 3 months apart so they definitely aren't brothers. I don't think they are cousins either.

Oh, little chance there related then!

[ADEZ]

Hey Mr.Craig
I'm curious to know as to whether you have heard much talk about Nakiah Cockatoo from NT...
Use to play with him, went too school with him and was coached by his dad Jason at one point. Nakia was an absolute machine, if I was ever being smashed in the ruck, i'd swap with him despite having half a foot on him! he's a freak! I believe he is eligible next year...
Wonder what his chances will be to be drafted?
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/07/04/322508_ntsport.html
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=Nakia%20Cockatoo

[Mr.Craig]

Don't know too much about the boys north of the border but just looking at his U/18 Champs stats they are impressive given he was a bottom-ager. 29 tackles in 5 games? Gotta like that.

Considering he has been noticed by the AIS-AFL academy, I'm sure there are a few scouts keeping an eye on him too.

[ADEZ]

Thanks mate!
I have been tracking him since I left the territory, however Queensland coverage isn't too flash  ::)
Would love to see him make it...

[Mr.Craig]

Nicholas Robertson



West Perth 3/6/95 188cm/83kg

2012 WAFL Colts Ave: 64.1
2013 WAFL Colts Ave: 82

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 34 Brisbane

Profile

Robertson has struggled with injury throughout the last two years and it has left people (myself included) unsure of where he sits in the draft calculations. He didn't front up for the Under 18 Championships but was able to make an appearance at the Combine, coming second in the 3km time trial. I presume in his third Colts game of the year he got injured early because there aren't any stats listed and the two previous games he played resulted in 36 disposals and 12 disposals so you can't take much away from that. In 2012 he had 20-22 touches a number of times with DT scores of 86, 70, 84, 51, 57, 6, 56, 40, 103, 61, 83 and 73. He's also shown the ability to kick multiple goals in games but it's unknown whether AFL clubs will view him more as a defender, forward or even a tall midfielder.


Bound For Glory: Robertson can play a mixture of in the midfield or down back with great flexibility. Before his injury he had been played in defence to iron out a couple of question marks but defensively he is quite sound. He isn't overly quick, but has elite endurance that will see him constantly run all day long. Given his relative body size compared to his opponents, Robertson will usually beat most of his opponents one-on-one in the air, but once the ball hits the ground he may not be nimble. This isn't to say he moves like Dean Brogan or Aaron Sandilands but in terms of medium sized players he isn't someone likely to break the lines with his pace.

Knightmare (BigFooty): Real quality running defender who can also play through the midfield and forward. Robertson has elite endurance and has that ability to run all day and find plenty of the footy and provide some run with ball in hand off a back flank. As a defender Robertson has a very good 1v1 game and can beat his direct opponent which is promising with the relative weakness defensively being in his agility as a tall being below average with his pace more straight line. Excellent tackler. Not the most damaging user of the footy yet but hopefully he can add that to his arsenal with time.

SC Paige: Best used as an attacking weapon off half back, Robertson loves to run and carry and set up from defence with an elite kick, and a rare ability to find space, speed and hit a target in the tightest of congestion. Perhaps the standout feature of Robertson's game is when he channels his unparalleled energy into providing attacking flair at half back where he performs well in the air and is dynamic when released into space. With defence first and foremost, Robertson maintains the ability to shut down his direct opponent, whilst remaining a key source of his team's avenue, rebounding from defence. Robertson is uncompromising, he isn't afraid to show aggression, and loves to run hard and straight at the ball, player or a pack. Robertson has played majority of his football off half back, but his elite endurance means that the club he is drafted to will have the option of utilising his hardness at the footy, coupled with his sublime skills by foot and hand, in the midfield.

Fantasy Prospects

I'd be very surprised if he makes much of an impact in 2014 and even more surprised if he was a legitimate DT selection.

Media

http://boundforglorynews.com/2013-draft-profile-nick-robertson/
http://www.scpaige.com.au/draftees-in-focus-nick-robertson/