Knightmare Mock Draft:
#1 GWS- Lachlan Whitfield (VIC - Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 18/07/1994
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison: Steele Sidebottom (More classy)
Range: 1-2
Profile: The thing that makes Whitfield stand out is his work rate, he just never stops running and absolutely works his man into the ground consistently. Whitfield has absolutely crazy endurance and as a 17 year old makes mince meat of the beep test, can score 16 which for an AFL prospect is in the very top percentile. The other thing is his skill level by foot. Perfect left footer. Just that class above and always looks composed with ball in hand and is that class above. Has more time than everyone else. Very duel sided. Also uses it smartly and unselfishly which is a big plus. Very dangerous around goals and has shown that he doesn’t need to play through the midfield but is most productive and best suited to playing on a wing at this stage. Has a real natural evasiveness and can pretty easily avoid tackles. Strong mark overhead on the lead and around the field. Speed good but not elite. Inside game is developing and while he is more of an outside player his inside game is underrated and coming along nicely and he can easily step into the centre square and win his own ball reading it well and particularly standing out when running onto the ball with momentum. Physically Whitfield has developed well over the past few years which suggest he still has a lot of physical development ahead and unlike Bryce Gibbs who developed early Whitfield should have a lot more development to come so he should be one of the top one or two players in this year’s draft when it’s all said and done.
Why:
#2 Gold Coast- Jimmy Toumpas (SA – Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 02/01/1994
Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens
Style:
Player comparison: Chad Wingard
Range: 1-5
Profile: Really damaging player with some versatility. Can take over and influence games as well as just about anyone in this draft and throughout the u18 champs for bursts really imposed himself on games which was impressive. Skill level excellent by both hand and foot, has that combination of hurt factor and clean ball use that will make him a big time weapon. Consistently good decision maker. High level athlete and has that combination of explosive speed and agility that will make him desirable as well as in game work rate. Endurance excellent. Also has shown very early on that he can lift for the big games which is I strongly believe is something that he will take with him to AFL level. Can play as a midfielder, forward or back which is a big advantage but long term will no doubt develop into a midfielder. Has the ability to play both as an inside and outside midfielder. One important note with Toumpas is that throughout the u18 champs he was playing with hip problems so to play through injury and influence games in the way he did was very impressive.
Why:
#3 Melbourne - Jonothan O’Rourke (VIC - Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 21/04/1994
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Chris Judd (Without the same contested ball winning ability)
Player comparison:
Range: 2-10
Profile: Missed most of the 2011 season with a hamstring injury but has come back hard in 2012 and shown us just how good he is. O’Rouke is a very quick, highly skills inside receiver. He has a good balance between inside and outside game and can do both equally well. Maybe not your most natural ball winner but he attacks the ball hard. Very good all rounder who stands out most is his ball use, particularly by foot which is just so good for an inside player. Finds targets consistently by foot, has some hurt factor and finishes beautifully around goal. Decision making ability good and chooses the right target more often than not. Is also a very good athlete and has great pace with the ability to burst away from packs and a nice leap on him. Very good in congestion and has that great decision making ability choosing the right targets even while pressured which is impressive.
Why:
#4 Melbourne (Compensation Pick) – Jackson Macrae (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 03/08/1994
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Scott Pendlebury (Early career without that developed inside game)
Player comparison: Jared Polec
Range: 3-15
Profile: Macrae has really come on this year and developed into one of the more intriguing prospects. Macrae is a highly skilled and high production outside player who has really played some fantastic football this year and has improved as much as an since the beginning of the season really showing consistent development throughout. Macrae’s kicking ability is a real standout feature – has great penetration and can kick accurately over a range of distances up to 55m and hit targets in dangerous positions. Finishing ability around goal good. Really weights his kicks beautifully and with regularity finds the correct target. Even under pressure in positions where he has no right to get a clear kick off to a target he still has great ability to find the right target up the field. Has rare poise and composure and seems to have more time than the next player in the same way Pendlebury does and just never looks rushed with ball in hand. He reads the play well both offensively and defensively allowing him to get to the right positions. Marking ability above average and field marking ability as well as marking ability behind the ball is good. The other feature in Macrae’s game that makes him stand out from the pack is his running ability. Has really impressive pace and with it a very high work rate and excellent endurance which allows him to get so much of the ball around the ground.
Why:
#5 Western Bulldogs - Sam Mayes (SA – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 20/05/1994
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style: Steve Johnson
Player comparison:
Range: 2-15
Profile: Leadup forward who can also push into the midfield and have an impact. The standout feature of Mayes’ game is his kicking ability and it would have to be the best in the draft, just so good by foot and hits his targets and around goal just never misses. Has great pace and can really burst away from the trailing defender with ease. Marking ability very strong for a player of his size so there is a lot to work with. Long term with Mayes the view would be for him to develop into a midfielder and with his great footskills, speed then ability when pushing forward to present as a marking target he looms as an ideal player to have in your rotation. But will take some time to develop into a high level midfielder and might benefit from learning off other high level midfielders.
Why:
#6 Western Bulldogs (Compensation Pick) - Lachlan Plowman (VIC - KPD)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 11/09/1994
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Sam Fisher
Player comparison:
Range: 5-15
Profile: Strong key defender who stands out with his marking and ability to read the play down back. Plowman is an offensive minded key defender who provides great drive from the back half. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see him during the u18 champs, but that should in no way hurt his draft stocks with what he has shown otherwise throughout his footballing. Has rare composure for a key defender and has a great skill set for a player of his type. Has really nice mobility and if he has the ball in general play he can avoid tackles as you’d see from smaller players which is an interesting aspect of Plowman’s game. Defensively Plowman can continue to get better but I really love his style of play with his really natural rebounding game down back which I hope he continues to develop because it is a really great strength to his game. Would have to be the best key defender available in this draft.
Why:
#7 Port Adelaide- Brodie Grundy (SA - Ruck)
Height: 202cm, Weight: 100kg, DOB: 15/04/1994
Recruited from: Sturt
Style: Todd Goldstein
Player comparison:
Range: 2-10
Profile: Ruckman who has shown serious improvement over the past two years. Comes from a basketball background. Very athletic and has a huge leap, is already a high level tap ruckman. Consistently hits it to advantage and knows who’s at his feet. Strong mark overhead and can mark at the highest point but can miss some easier marks at times as well so in that regard needs to develop more consistency in his marking game. Also this year is starting to take some contested marks when he goes forward which is promising and has really improved his play forward of centre. Has a huge work rate. Another unique feature with Grundy is his ability at ground level and below the knees is very clean with his pickups. Skill level above average for a ruckman and has a nice long kick but still could develop more consistency. Can close out games strongly when the game is on the line and has that extra gear which I view as a real selling point and an aspect of his game that he can continue at the next level. This year Grundy has increased his contribution around the ground and is winning a lot more of his own ball which is a real positive. Additionally he has really built himself into a powerful unit and will be able to step into a ruck division and play from round one which will big for the club who draft him. Another thing I like with Grundy is that he is really willing to improve and will work hard with coaches to make his game better so I think Grundy will fulfil his upside and continue on his swift improvement.
Why:
#8 Brisbane- Mason Shaw (WA – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 15/01/1994
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style: Brad Ottens/Kurt Tippett
Player comparison: Jonathan Patton
Range: 5-20
Profile: Strong marking key forward. Has a presence, marks out in front and can take a contested grab. Had a sensation 2011 season scoring 66 goals which is a great return for the young key forward. Has good accuracy from both general play and set shot attempts. Also Shaw is a serious big game player kicking 7 goals in the grand final which is a big return and shows potential to continue being a big game player into the future. Has played in the ruck but I most like Shaw as a key forward and see that as the position where he can impose himself on matches most as a big marking target.
Why:
#9 Richmond – Oliver Wines (VIC - Mid)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 07/10/1994
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style: Trent Cotchin (Bigger bodied version)
Player comparison: Josh Caddy
Range: 4-15
Profile: Wines is a really good all rounder and a real footballer who attacks the ball hard and more often than not comes out with it. Good ball user by both hand and foot and decision making ability and for an inside player has rare composure and regularly chooses the right option in a variety of situations. Good finisher around goal. Excellent at reading the play and gets into the right positions. Wines is already very physically developed, big ball winners who can step into an AFL team from round one and play some good football. Wins all the clearances and contested ball and is a guy you can rely on, on the inside to get the job done. Tackling game good. He isn’t a standout athlete but his endurance is elite and will be in the very top percentile and his work rate is a real selling point to his game. Also really like his tackling technique – he pins the arms and stops the opposition player from being able to move the ball on.
Why:
#10 Essendon – Joe Daniher (VIC – KPF/Ruck) F/S
Height: 201cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 04/03/1994
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Paul Salmon
Player comparison:
Range: 1st round
Profile: Daniher after his final game of the u18 championships announced himself and showed that he would be a worth no.1 overall selection if not for F/S. Daniher is a key forward who has the ability to ruck, but he would be wasted as a ruckman when you watch just how dominant he can be as a key forward. As a key forward Daniher has the best contested marking ability of any player in this draft. Marks at the highest point and out of reach every time and has a completely dominant ability to mark the footy whether it be on the lead, in a contest, 1v1 or in the air as a key forward. The other feature which impresses me with Daniher is that at ground level he is as good as any I’ve ever seen over 2m. Can bend down and pick it up so cleanly, it’s really rare for a guy of this size to have that ability at ground level and combined with his overhead abilities Daniher can develop into one of if not the league’s most dominant key forward. Pace and agility very good for someone of his height. Daniher’s strength is developing well and with time he will be able to grow out strongly. Not a guy you want playing from round 1, but with some time developing assuming he has a good run of injuries throughout his career WILL become a dominant force and one of the premier key forwards around the league. The one area Daniher needs to put more time into is his set shot goalkicking, can get some high difficulty ones but also can lack consistency from easier set shot kicks. Has a good 55m penetration on his kick and field kicking is very good for a player of his size. Skill level is good for a player of his height and interestingly can get some of the higher difficulty set shot goals but Joe will want to develop more consistency from the positions where he should consistently be kicking them from. Essendon have themselves a beauty here.
Why:
#11 Carlton- Dayle Garlett (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 09/01/1994
Recruited from: Swan Districts Football Club
Style:
Player comparison: Harley Bennell
Range: 5-20
Profile: Quality outside midfielder who can sneak forward and have an impact. Showed a fair bit of talent through the 2011 U18 champs and again in 2012 has played some excellent football and really put forward a strong case suggesting that he should be selected early. Garlett has game-breaking pace and uses it to advantage with regularity and is willing to take running bounces and take the ball as far as the opposition let him. Decision making excellent and even when pressured or in congestion still makes the right decision most of the time. Finishing around goal good. Left footer with some nice penetration and hurt factor on his kick. Can use his right boot and use it well. Can really hit the scoreboard and be very damaging with the influence he can have on some games. Also when the ball hits the ground I like how he immediately has that quickness of mind and body to get to the ball quicker than everyone and quickly get the ball onto hit boot for a goal. I like it that despite his lack of size that he is still capable of winning his own ball and playing on the ball and not just outside. Dayle still needs to build more strength through the hips so that he can stand up in tackles, but there is a fair bit to like about his game. Also defensively can continue to get better to compliment his incredible offensive game. I’m hearing some real discipline issues which may see Garlett slide down the draft more than his talent deserves. Will be really interesting to see how clubs evaluate Garlett as he is an unbelievable talent, but the risk is there. Likely the end of season interviewing will decide his eventual draft position but certainly on the field has done everything right and produced some big games.
Why:
#12 St Kilda - Jake Stringer (VIC - Util)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 25/04/1994
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style: Luke Hodge
Player comparison:
Range: 5-25
Profile: Stringer is probably the best talent in the draft and had it not been for a broken leg this season I would probably have him at no.1. Comes from a basketball background. Hard worker. Hasn’t really dominated games this year the way he has in the past and after his sickening broken leg of last year it’s just great to see him playing footy again. Stringer’s conditioning isn’t nearly where it was pre-injury and doesn’t seem to have his trademark explosiveness and leaping ability back yet and the endurance is nowhere near where it was but what’s encouraging is that he is still attacking the ball as hard as ever and working as hard as he can to impose himself on games. The feature I’ve always loved in Stringer’s game is his ability to play anywhere and just change the game with his attack on the ball and sheer will. With Stringer the versatility is a great asset and when he gets his fitness back he will be able to play through the midfield, forward or back to a high level. Wins the hard ball consistently and is a very good inside player to go along with his outside running ability which we have seen in the past. Ball use good by both hand and foot. Very strong mark overhead and can hit the scoreboard hard when shifted forward and with his limited fitness this year has mostly had to play up forward. Stringer has star potential but needs to get his athleticism and conditioning back first before we see him back at his best which will take some time. Has great leadership potential and looks likely to be a guy who leads from the front at AFL level.
Why:
#13 Melbourne (Compensation Pick) - Ben Kennedy (SA –Fwd/ Mid)
Height: 174cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 03/03/1994
Recruited from: Glenelg
Style: Brent Harvey
Player comparison:
Range: 5-20
Profile: Very small midfielder, but he can play. Speed is elite and in the very top percentile. Has that pace but also uses it effectively and willingly takes on opposition players to effect. More than has the performances on the board and showed a lot during the 2011 and 2012 U18 championships. Kennedy is a big accumulator and can hit the scoreboard for a number of goals. Ball use generally very good. Has a neat left foot kick with nice penetration. Very capable of winning his own ball. Marking ability good for a player of his height. Tackling very good but with his pace has the potential to be an elite tackler. Kennedy has a big chance of doing what Dion Prestia and Devon Smith have done in recent years in getting drafted early despite lack of height.
Why:
#14 North Melbourne - Taylor Garner (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 08/01/1994
Recruited from: Dandenong
Style: Jimmy Bartell
Player comparison: Luke Russell/Chris Mayne
Range: 15-30
Profile: Garner is an interesting player who can play forward or through the midfield to a high level. Up forward looks dangerous and is a strong marking target. 1v1 marking ability good and has some ability in the air. Has a great leap on him and can take a hanger. Tackling ability good. When he steps up into the midfield can win his own ball and is a very strong contested ball winner which is great to see considering he isn’t yet super strongly built. I do have some concerns over the consistency of his ball use and have found he isn’t always clean at ground level which is a concern for a forward, additionally decision making on a number of occasions throughout the u18 championships let him down and didn’t always find the right target, but there is a fair bit to work with none the less.
Why:
#15 Geelong – Tom Clurey (VIC – KPD)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 23/03/1994
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style: Ben Reid
Player comparison:
Range: 10-30
Profile: Clurey has a solid shutdown game but what has stood out in his play has been his rebounding game and ball use. Showed some during the u18 champs. Uses the ball well coming out of the back half and has excellent footskills for a key defender. Reads it well and can get off his man to take the intercept mark.
Why:
#16 Fremantle - Kristian Jaksch (VIC – KPF/KPD)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 07/10/1994
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Ben Reid
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Really promising key position player who can capably play forward or back to a high level. Really love the way his game has developed over the past few years and has continued to develop strongly this year and has quickly risen up most people’s draft boards quite substantially since this time last year. Jaksch is a strong overhead mark and is a real contested marking threat around the ground as well as up forward. Has very strong hands. Reads the play to a very high level and reads the ball in the air well. At ground level for a key position player also very good. Jaksch is an elite field kick for a key position player and can lace out kick the ball to where the player wants it every time and is a genuine playmaker whether it be in the back half coming out of defence or whether up forward finding a his man executing kicks no key position player has the right to. Set shot goal kicking good. Athletically Jaksch is above average, has a solid leap but also moves really well with good pace and agility but he should develop into more of a power key forward or defender with his strong marking game. I’ve also been really pleased with his effort around the ground with his willingness to tackle for a key position player, it’s rare to see a player so willing to give 2nd and 3rd efforts and chase as hard as Jaksch does which is a credit to him. Has the body type where he should capably continue to grow out strongly. Jaksch while he will most likely develop into a key forward it is worth noting that he also looks very good down back and can be a big rebounding factor with his ability to read it well and marking with his ability to take marks off opposition kicks as well as winning 1v1 contests. There is great potential for development and Jaksch appears to be one of the best key position prospects this draft has to offer.
Why:
#17 West Coast - Nick Vlastuin (VIC – Mid/Def)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 19/04/1994
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style: Nathan Buckley (less athletic)
Player comparison:
Range: 10-25
Profile: Midfielder who consistently wins the contested footy and just consistently goes harder than the next player. Big time clearance player. Skill level is exceptional, uses it well by both hand and foot and rarely makes mistakes. Particularly stands out by foot and has nice penetration. Has also been noted for leadership and really leads by example out on the field so there is a lot to like. Marking ability forward of centre very good for a midfielder. Consistently plays to a high level. Athletically not as good as other likely high end midfield choices but is still a hard runner who will work all day and demonstrates great endurance and work rate. Tackles hard and willingly works both ways. Looks like a very low risk, solid pro who is worthy of a high draft position. Probably didn’t produce the numbers at the u18 champs that many expected but still a very desirable prospect and a guy you can play through the midfield tomorrow which will appeal to a number of clubs.
Why:
#18 Collingwood- Troy Menzel (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 22/09/1994
Recruited from: Central District
Style: Steve Johnson
Player comparison:
Range: 10-25
Profile: Troy is the younger brother of Cat Daniel Menzel and is every bit as talented but like his brother has similarly had his injury troubles and concerning is that despite his tender age he has had LARS which may/may not concern clubs but knowing how many have had knee injuries post LARS (most frequently to the other knee) I do have injury concerns. But on talent Menzel is every bit a top 10 quality prospect and will no doubt get drafted high as a result. Troy has probably played more through the midfield than his brother but as a forward is equally adept and dominant at u18 level. Troy is a highly productive midfielder/forward who stand out because of his awareness and decision making under pressure, is one of those players who is always composed and uses the footy well. Skill level excellent by both hand and foot. Athletically Troy is excellent with his combination of speed, agility and endurance which is very exciting. Even with this athleticism Troy doesn’t rely on it and is a really natural footballer rather than a pure athlete and because of this I see a strong future ahead of him at AFL level. Has also like Daniel showed great ability forward of centre and can hit the scoreboard as he showed during the u18 champs, great finisher around goal and like his brother is an excellent marking target. I suggest this is where he will start his career and with some luck hopefully he can work his way into a midfield rotation.
Why:
#19 Adelaide - Tanner Smith (VIC – KPD)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 09/03/1994
Recruited from: North Ballarat
Style: Eric McKenzie
Player comparison:
Range: 10-40
Profile: Best shut down key defender of this year’s draft. Very good at limiting the impact of his direct opponent. Gets great spoil numbers. He has some variety in his game and has the ability to play off his man, hold his own one on one or zone off depending on what he needs to do for his team. Most of his touches come from intercept possessions or marks. Athletically Smith is above average and has the speed and endurance to go with most players. Physically still has some way to go so give him some time. Skills on the improve. Has added some marking and running to his game this year and is starting to go from purely a shut down player to someone who increasingly can also provide some rebound which is a real positive but he still looks best as a guy who will be able to take the most dangerous opposition forward and limit his influence. When played forward Smith I’ve found to be really passive, not attacking the ball as he needs to in the air and isn’t a real marking threat so best he remains a key defender.
Why:
#20 GWS (Compo Pick via Adelaide) - Matthew Haynes (VIC - Util)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 19/03/1994
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison: Rhyce Shaw (Taller)
Range: 10-45
Profile: Haynes is a really versatile line breaker. Really broke onto the scene in 2011 and for someone of his height, his pace is absolutely incredible! Just bursts and goes past everyone with ease and is incredibly difficult to run down. Also would be very interested to see his meters gained statistics because if you let him he would sprint the length of the field. I think he could become a very good back flanker at the next level but he does have the versatility to play on a wing or forward. The other strength with Haynes is his marking ability which is well above average. Haynes has played much of the season down back and his shutdown game is improving which to go along with his pace and ability to break the lines makes him intriguing. Kicking ability ok but I wouldn’t describe it as a feature of his game. I’ve been impressed on occasion with Haynes’ ability to kick at full pace and have been really surprised with his ability to hit a target when running at the speed Haynes does but also at times can choose the wrong option or slightly miss the intended target. I don’t see Haynes as an early draft selection as he doesn’t quite have enough strings to his bow for my liking but none the less is an exciting line breaker he could add something.
Why:
#21 Sydney - Tim Membrey (VIC - Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 26/05/1994
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison: Dean Galea (More dominant)
Range: 20-60
Profile: Strong, ready to go forward. Has to this point in time played as a key forward but at his height I see him as more of a 3rd tall at the next level and a guy who will produce right away. Big contested marking target up forward who hits the scoreboard with regularity and has produced some big goal hauls. Very strong mark on the lead. Set shot goal kicking very good and knows where the goals are. Membrey is physically very strongly built so his impact for a forward looks like it could be more immediate than the next player. Membrey doesn’t have as many strings to his bow as other players but his production and presence up forward is un-ignorable.
Why:
#22 Hawthorn- Jesse Lonergan (TAS - Mid)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 14/11/1994
Recruited from: Launceston
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Lonergan is a strong inside ball winning machine. Really powerful contested ball winner and clearances player. Has some pace. Tackling game very good. Above average inside distributor by hand. Lonergan has missed much of the first half of this year with injury but that doesn’t change the fact that he looms as a solid inside midfield option. Haven’t seen many signs with Lonergan of an outside game and I have some major concerns over his kicking ability which has always lacked consistency but otherwise Lonergan looks like a really solid prospect and one of the more ready to go prospects with his AFL ready body.
Why:
#23 Brisbane (Compensation Pick) - Jason Pongracic (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 21/04/1994
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Brad Sewell
Player comparison:
Range: 15-40
Profile: Strong body and big bodied inside ball winner who has missed some time this year with injury. Real in and under type who attacks the footy and more often than not comes out with it. Displays great hardness at the footy and just really attacks it. Seems to really enjoying playing for the contested ball. Very good by both hand and foot. Pongracic is a really early bloomer and has been good for a number of years. The question with Pongracic is because he is bigger than everyone else does he do it because of size or because he is just better than everyone else? The other query is on pace and he is not one of the quickest midfielders going around. In any case he will be one of the more immediate talents who should be able to step up to AFL level more quickly than the next midfielder. Pongracic has also shown since coming back from injury this year the ability to play up forward and have an impact.
Why:
For all rounds go to this link >
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/k ... ft.956129/
