Gary Buckenara's top 30 draft prospects

[saynta]

he herald sun.com

Gary Buckenara names his top 30 performers from under-18 championships ahead of 2019 draft

AFL recruiting guru Gary Buckenara is keeping a close eye on the 2019 draft class. He names his top 30 players from the recent under-18 championships and reveals who he’d take with the No.1 pick.
Gary Buckenara, Herald Sun


August 1, 2019 7:00am



"With just one month left of the AFL season for 10 clubs, our attention now starts to turn to the draft.

The 2019 Under-18 national championships have been played and won (by Western Australia), as the best talent on offer in this year’s draft showcased their talent. There were some tight results during the carnival, which reflected the even spread of talent across the teams to represent the Allies, South Australia, Vic Country, Vic Metro and WA.

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That brings us to the strength of this year’s draft and what type of players fans can expect their clubs to recruit for the future.

The talent pool is even, especially after the top 5-10, but this should be a reasonably deep draft. While it’s fairly light on for ruckmen and key-position players, clubs keen to bolster their midfield stocks with all types will be very happy with the depth of talent emerging. There are also some nice skilled outside runners coming through in addition to clever forwards.
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There are also quite a few sons of former players eligible to be drafted, but not all qualify under father-son rules.

Noah Anderson, son of former Hawk and Saint Dean Anderson, is the best of the lot but unfortunately for Hawthorn and St Kilda, isn’t eligible to be taken under father-son rules given his father played 83 games for the Hawks and just 67 for the Saints.

Over the next few months I will continue to track the progress of the 2019 draft class as they finish their seasons before turning attention to the testing at the draft combine, which will play a role in the final order of my top 50 prospects.

For now, here are the players who were the standouts during the U18 championships and are currently in the mix to be taken in the top 30 at the draft in November — including the top-10 performers at the carnival listed in order.

PLEASE NOTE: Gary Buckenara’s top-10 players listed below are his top-10 from the U18 championships, not his top-10 draft order.
BUCKENARA’S TOP-10 PERFORMERS

1. MATTHEW ROWELL

178cm, 74kg, midfielder, Vic Metro/Oakleigh Chargers

Rowell has starred on the big stage over the past 12 months. Last year he almost got Vic Metro over the line in the U18 championship decider against South Australia, he was named best afield in the TAC Cup Grand Final in a losing team, won the medal the following week for the standout player in the NAB AFL All-Stars game on Grand Final day, and in April was judged best on ground in the Australian U18 team’s win over Casey Demons. Rowell is a tough, explosive midfielder who excels at the stoppages and imposes himself on games. It’s no wonder he’s seen as one of the leading contenders to be the No.1 pick this year and his performances at the championships only cemented his position as a very early selection — most likely No.1 — in 2019.

2. NOAH ANDERSON

188cm, 86kg, midfielder, Vic Metro/Oakleigh Chargers

The son of my former premiership teammate Dean Anderson, Noah shows enormous talent and had excellent start to the year when he averaged 32 disposals and nearly three goals in the opening three rounds of the NAB U18s. He’s a tall midfielder with a very strong endurance base and is good overhead. Noah also regularly kicks goals as a midfielder, be it on the run from long range, a mark on the lead or a snap around his body. At this stage, he’s the player I’d take with the No.1 draft pick, but a lot can change as the season plays out.
Noah Anderson is Bucky’s early tip for the No.1 pick.
Noah Anderson is Bucky’s early tip for the No.1 pick.

3. HAYDEN YOUNG

188cm, 82kg defender, Vic Country/Dandenong Stingrays

Young looked every bit the early pick at the MCG against VFL side Casey when he gathered 17 disposals and took six marks in a polished performance. He has at times played in the midfield this year but looks most comfortable and is more damaging across halfback, where his vision, poise and precise kicking stands out. Young, whose brother Lachie plays for the Bulldogs, is a good size and is considered a leader within his group.

4. CALEB SERONG

178cm, 83kg, forward/midfielder, Vic Country/Gippsland Power

Vic Country’s co-captain at the carnival surely stood out to AFL recruiters with his impressive and consistent performances as a powerful small forward/midfielder who can influence games in a number of ways. The talented cricketer is sharp at ground level, neat by foot and is able to set-up teammates with his clever ball use. He’s also very clever around goal where he uses his uncanny goal sense, and when he has time in the midfield, his burst of speed is really exciting. I’m sure he’ll be an in-demand player in this year’s draft.

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Exciting draft prospect Caleb Serong.
Exciting draft prospect Caleb Serong.

5. DYLAN STEPHENS

183cm, 69kg, midfielder, South Australia/Norwood

A big engine coupled with pace and a precise left foot will make Stephens one of the most talented and sought-after midfielders in this year’s draft. Stephens, who grew up in country Victoria before moving to South Australia for school, has already played for Norwood at senior level in the SANFL this season, while his U18 carnival form was consistent. He does look like a very nice midfielder-in-the-making, with his attributes to find plenty of admirers amongst AFL recruiters. He should be a top-30 selection.

6. LACHLAN ASH

186cm, 80kg, defender, Vic Country/Murray Bushrangers

Ash brings real speed to this year’s draft. He’s an exciting line-breaker off halfback who likes to put the ball under his arm and take the game on, but the best part is he doesn’t just and run blindly — he’s composed with the ball. Ash has played senior footy at country level and won a country premiership with Shepparton last year and he finished second in the Murray Bushrangers’ best-and-fairest as an underage player.

7. SAM FLANDERS

182cm, 81kg, forward/midfielder, Vic Country/Gippsland Power

Sam has a strong body already and has showcased his best football as a forward who can also have a run in the midfield. His early-season form saw him average 23 disposals, five tackles and a goal at U18s level and he’s capable of doing some eye-catching things like taking big marks and kicking freakish goals or being very clean to pluck the ball off a pack. I suspect he could get himself much fitter and getting into a full-time AFL environment will see him improve sharply.
Sam Flanders has a great highlights reel for Gippsland Power.
Sam Flanders has a great highlights reel for Gippsland Power.

8. WILL GOULD

191cm, 98kg, defender, South Australia/Glenelg

Gould was one of only three bottom-aged players selected for last year’s U18 All-Australian team after his impressive carnival for South Australia. He’s stepped up to play well at SANFL level, where his mature frame and booming kick is a feature of his game. He reads the game well and provides excellent rebound, which has been likened to West Coast skipper Shannon Hurn given his powerful style. He will certainly have many admirers with what he brings to the table and I’m sure he’ll be busy come the draft combine, fielding questions from many clubs.

9. FISCHER McASEY

195cm, 86kg, defender, Vic Metro/Sandringham Dragons

A promising defender, McAsey was solid throughout the U18 championships playing as a key defender, where he did some of his best work in the air, taking many intercept and contested marks. He has certainly been noticed and I’m sure, given the need for key defenders, McAsey will be very high on the key-position talent flow lists at clubs. He can really elevate himself by finishing off the year well and performing well in the draft combine.

10. LIAM HENRY

179cm, 67kg, forward, Western Australia/Claremont

Fremantle will get first access to Henry as a member of the club’s Next Generation Academy. The lightly framed indigenous teenager is a lively small forward who kicked four goals from 24 disposals for Claremont’s colts’ side early this year in an exciting display. A minor knee injury has halted some of his progress, but I believe Henry is exactly the type of player Fremantle needs for its future to create chaos up forward as Michael Walters and Brandon Matera bring other attributes as higher half-forwards. A top-20 bid is not out of the question if Henry continues at his current rate of development given his blistering speed and delightful skills.
BUCKENARA’S 20 STANDOUTS

TRENT BIANCO

178, 70kg, defender/midfielder, Vic Metro/Oakleigh Chargers

Bianco performed really well during the carnival and what is most impressive about him is his ball use as a rebounding defender. It is a long-held opinion of mine that players who can kick the ball well hold very strong appeal to recruiters in this day and age. He’s put himself on the radar with his performances for Vic Metro and if his final part of the season goes well and can impress at the combine, then I am sure Bianco will have many suitors at this year’s draft.

Trent Bianco in action for the AFL Academy.
Trent Bianco in action for the AFL Academy.

NICK BRYAN

202cm, 87kg, ruck/forward, Vic Metro/Oakleigh Chargers

Bryan has emerged quickly as one of the best ruck prospects in this year’s draft and was selected in the Australian U18s team to face VFL side Casey. Although lightly framed, his strengths are that he’s so mobile that he virtually plays as an extra midfielder around the ground, has good skills and reads the play very well, while he can also provide a marking option up forward. Clubs will look at him as a developing ruck/forward.

CHARLIE COMBEN

199cm, 82kg, ruck/forward, Vic Country/Gippsland Power

A bit of a project player as a developing ruckman/forward who has shown some glimpses of talent very similar to a young Harry McKay during his time at Gippsland Power. We always want to see more of his good moments but at present Comben is still raw and developing. Talls always take a bit of time to grow in their frames but he showed some of what he can produce during the U18 carnival. Comben has traits that recruiters will like given his athleticism for his size, so I’m sure he’ll be given an opportunity at the draft this year, but how early remains to be seen. I suspect he’ll be a top-30 pick.

WILL DAY

187cm, 70kg, defender/midfielder, South Australia/West Adelaide

A tall rebound defender/outside midfielder, Day has a light body but it doesn’t stop him from being a fierce competitor. He has good athleticism and run of halfback and was a good consistent performer for South Australia, who often set his team up with very good running patterns to link up some attacking moves.
Sam De Koning is a long-term prospect.
Sam De Koning is a long-term prospect.

SAM DE KONING

200cm, 85kg, defender/forward/ruck, Vic Country/Dandenong Stingrays

The brother of Carlton’s Tom De Koning, Sam is much like his older sibling in that he’ll take time to fully develop and make his mark at AFL level. At 200cm, De Koning can play key position at both ends of the ground and can be used in the ruck, with his versatility set to appeal strongly for clubs looking to bolster their tall stocks. He’s very athletic but is still raw. He played as a key defender in the U18 nationals and looked good.

THOMSON DOW

182cm, 72kg, midfielder, Vic Country/Bendigo Pioneers

The younger brother of Carlton’s Paddy Dow, Thomson has caught the eye of recruiters this year. He’s different to Paddy in that he plays a little bit taller and occasionally drifts forward to be a target. Thomson is lightly framed but agile, has a good burst of speed, and started the season in strong form for Bendigo, so he looks like a nice prospect. It will take him some time to build up his light body, but he brings some nice attributes to the table.

TOM GREEN

188cm, 85kg, midfielder, Allies/GWS Academy

Green starred for the Allies in the U18 nationals, showing his ball-winning ability through the midfield. The Giants academy prospect shapes as a possible top-10 selection due to his status as a big and strong inside midfielder who can bullock through traffic like Patrick Cripps and set-up the game from the midfield. He lost quite a bit of weight over the pre-season and has improved his endurance this season, which has led to improved and more consistent numbers this year. Another nice player in the making for GWS.

HARRISON JONES

194cm, 75kg, forward, Vic Metro/Calder Cannons

Jones has elevated himself into draft calculations with his strong performance as a key forward during the carnival. He is light at present at just 76kg but I feel he’s capable of putting on good size and clubs will identify him as a developing project player who has a good work ethic. He leads up well to the ball carrier, has a good pair of hands, is agile and looks comfortable in front of goal. There’s a lot to like about Jones and given these types of players are always hard to find, I expect there will be many clubs tracking him at the Cannons for the remainder of the season. He could be a top-30 pick.
Brodie Kemp was another Vic Country standout.
Brodie Kemp was another Vic Country standout.

BRODIE KEMP

192cm, 82kg, utility, Vic Country/Bendigo Pioneers

Unfortunately Brodie ruptured his ACL in a school game, which could see him drift out to a late first or second-round selection. Clubs like Gold Coast, St Kilda and Carlton would find it hard to lose 12 months of development from a top draft pick, whereas the likes of Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong would be able to support a player of Kemp’s talent because their needs are less urgent right now, so he could be a bargain/bonus pick up for a club willing to be patient. Kemp is athletic, moves well for size and his overall ability means he can play in most positions on the ground — he’s been used as a marking forward, as a tall midfielder who can extract the ball and also across halfback where his vision stands out. Kemp hasn’t been a huge ball-winner, but his performances at the carnival would have pleased recruiters given he was able to find far more of the footy. He has plenty of upside and may have been a top-10 selection if not for his serious knee injury.

FINN MAGINNESS

187cm, 80kg, midfielder, Vic Metro/Sandringham Dragons

The son of my two-time Hawthorn premiership teammate Scott Maginness, Finn has enjoyed a really strong start to this season and had a very good carnival where his consistent performances should push him into contention to be a first-round selection. He’s a tall and athletic midfielder who uses his size to good effect, makes good decision and uses the ball well (better than dad did, sorry Scotty!). I’m sure the Hawks will be happy to have him.

JACKSON MEAD

184cm, 83kg, midfielder, South Australia/Woodville-West Torrens

The son of Port Adelaide’s inaugural best-and-fairest winner Darren Mead, Jackson is a midfielder/utility type. His national championship form would have pleased the Port Adelaide recruiters, who will have first option to draft him as a father-son. His composure and decision-making are his best traits, while he needs to tidy up his foot skills to reduce the number of targets he misses.
Impressive WA midfielder Deven Robertson.
Impressive WA midfielder Deven Robertson.
Jackson Mead is a father-son prospect for Port Adelaide.
Jackson Mead is a father-son prospect for Port Adelaide.

DEVEN ROBERTSON

182cm, 80kg, midfielder/defender, Western Australia/Perth

Robertson played all four of WA’s games last year as a bottom-ager and has continued his development through the midfield this season where he’s improved his athleticism, which allows him to get to more contests. He captained WA’s under-16 side and was named its MVP at that championships, and this year completed the double by claiming those two titles again at U18 level. He’s the nephew of former West Coast skipper Darren Glass — some really good pedigree.

JAY RANTALL

184cm, 82kg, midfielder/defender, Vic Country/GWV Rebels

Rantall was a consistent performer during the carnival. One of his best traits is his strong work ethic, which was definitely on show and recruiters would have also liked his no-nonsense style, where his trademark is his ability to just get the job done. He looks to be a real professional with the way he goes about his football and as a player who had a strong carnival, his finish to the season for GWV will be important, as will be his ability to cope with some expectation at the draft combine. I’m sure, however, we’ll see the same diligence from Rantall and he won’t be one to get ahead of himself.

JEREMY SHARP

187cm, 79kg, midfielder/defender, Western Australia/East Fremantle

A slick prospect who performed well last year to be one of his state’s leading draft hopefuls, Sharp was named an U18 All-Australian last season and was then a standout in the NAB All-Stars game on Grand Final day across halfback. Sharp has good skills and dash and made his senior WAFL debut for East Fremantle in Round 1 this season. He will be monitored closely at WAFL level for the rest of the season — playing at a senior level will be really good for his development and clubs will be interested in how he fares.

HARRY SCHOENBERG

180cm, 78kg, midfielder, South Australia/Woodville-West Torrens

Playing as a midfielder with occasional stints across half-forward, Schoenberg shows some terrific traits that recruiters like to see — competitiveness, decision-making and skill. In particular, his ability to compete inside, win the ball and then feed it to the outside runners is very good. His U18 nationals form was very good as he was one of South Australia’s shinning lights, which would have elevated his stock enormously to be one of the players heading up the charts with a rocket. Schoenberg looks to be a very nice player for the future and I’m sure clubs will have him fairly high on their talent flow lists.

Cameron Taheny is shaping as one of SA’s top draft prospects.
Cameron Taheny is shaping as one of SA’s top draft prospects.

CAMERON TAHENY

185cm, 80kg, forward, South Australia/Norwood

Taheny is an exciting and dangerous forward who can produce something from nothing. He’s already played at senior level for Norwood in the SANFL and performed well, booting five goals from three games despite some injury niggles with his knee and quad. Taheny has really good speed and a nice leap and will be monitored closely by recruiters for the remainder of the year. Let’s hope he can get over those niggles so we can see his full talent as I suspect he might be a really good prospect when fully fit.

ELIJAH TAYLOR

185cm, 75kg, forward/midfielder, Western Australia/Perth

Taylor is an extremely talented footballer who can hopefully fulfil his true potential as his speed, skills and football nous is there for all to see. At present, he tends to play in bursts and can drop out of games when he gets close attention from his defender. He doesn’t need much space to be dangerous and he can quickly impact a game. If he can work hard on his fitness, I see him as a very dangerous forward/midfielder because he has real brilliance and reflexes combined with pace, skill and football nous. Can he make the most of his talent?

Cody Weightman celebrates a goal for Vic Country.
Cody Weightman celebrates a goal for Vic Country.

CODY WEIGHTMAN

177cm, 73kg, defender, Vic Country/Dandenong Stingrays

The speedy small forward continues to impress following good early form for Dandenong Stingrays by topping the goalkicking in his four U18 national games. He finished with nine goals and has pushed himself up the rankings as a small forward with good pace — the type of player that has really come to the fore at AFL level in recent years, so there should be strong interest in him. How high up the pecking order he goes will depend on his form and testing at the combine.

DYLAN WILLIAMS

185cm, 79kg, utility, Vic Metro/Oakleigh Chargers

Williams showed his talent last year for the Chargers when he booted 14 goals in the finals series as an underage player. His marking is a real strength, while he’s clean at ground level, is clever near goal and is a lovely left-foot kick. He can also be used across halfback, where his reading of the play comes to the fore, while he has the ability to occasionally have a run through the midfield. Williams will often find a way to impact a game as he has genuine X-factor and ability. He looks a very nice prospect as a utility and potential ‘Mr Fix It’.

JOSH WORRELL

195cm, 74kg, defender, Vic Metro/Sandringham Dragons

The way Worrell is able to float into marking contests in the back half and make an impact in the air should bode well for his prospects as a third tall defender at AFL level. His leap, agility and his versatility should appeal to clubs, particularly given there’s a lack of taller types at the top end of this year’s draft. Worrell has been tried in the ruck at school level this year but is most comfortable setting things up in the backline. He’s a player that clubs will follow for the rest of the year and will be interested in his testing and interviews.

[saintsRrising]

Given our pick currently looks like it will be later than early it would not surprise me if we take Kemp if he is still available.

[saynta]

Given our pick currently looks like it will be later than early it would not surprise me if we take Kemp.

Would be a great pick but the club would cop a barrage of flack, unfortunately.

[Impatient Sainter]

I dont rate Buckenara's recruiting views, he is very biaised in his approach.

[saynta]

His top 10 is pretty spot on.

[Impatient Sainter]

It wont matter because we will be trading out any 1st round pick we get this year.

[Ghost Like]

Given our pick currently looks like it will be later than early it would not surprise me if we take Kemp.

Would be a great pick but the club would cop a barrage of flack, unfortunately.

I agree sRr and I know where you are coming from Saynta but it may not be that bad if Bytel's operation is a success and plays, King plays and Hannerbury plays. That will offer Kemp the opportunity to rehab, recover and become a part of the club.

St Kilda can then claim (by accident) to be on the cutting edge of introducing kids to the AFL and effectively putting the age up to 19.

[tedtheodorelogan2018]

Young would be the best but we don't need another HBF. Lots of key position players in there.

[saintsRrising]

Given our pick currently looks like it will be later than early it would not surprise me if we take Kemp.

Would be a great pick but the club would cop a barrage of flack, unfortunately.

I agree sRr and I know where you are coming from Saynta but it may not be that bad if Bytel's operation is a success and plays, King plays and Hannerbury plays. That will offer Kemp the opportunity to rehab, recover and become a part of the club.

St Kilda can then claim (by accident) to be on the cutting edge of introducing kids to the AFL and effectively putting the age up to 19.

I think that an ACL in a young player is lot more manageable than soft tissue in an old player.

[Zed]

I dont rate Buckenara's recruiting views, he is very biaised in his approach.

Has anyone checked to see how his ratings from previous drafts have fared ?

Would be interesting reading going back a few years.