AN_Inkling wrote:Damien wrote:No. 1 picks do not necessarily give you the best player. History tells us that. I have no idea about all these kids and from what I hear it's a pretty even bunch. Maybe we are better off telling Brisbane that we want an established player and their second rounder for Beams.
I think Petracca the standout where our needs are concerned. I have zero interest in the talls.
So who do you have interest in then?
The problem I see for us this year is that possibly 7 out of the top 10 rated prospects are key position players.
If we retain pick 4 (5) then any midfield player we take at that selection will most likely end up being picked ahead of there considered worth.
Obviously how Hine rates them is all that matters and he might have a Pendlebury surprise up his sleeve.
Below are 4 players who appear the most likely to be considered should we opt against taking another tall.
Jarrod Picket 180cm/76kg
The lightning quick West Australian made his senior WAFL debut two weeks ago, and last weekend kicked the match-winning goal for South Fremantle. When up and going, Pickett is a player you'd pay to watch. He has the speed (he ran a 2.8 second 20-metre sprint in January) to cut through the lines, and the skill to deliver. He's in this spot because of his elite talent. With some more consistency he could be anything.
Jayden Laverde 189cm/82kg
One of the most exciting prospects available. Laverde played a little bit of everywhere throughout the U18 championships but is a creative option all over the ground. Quick, tall and athletic, he enjoys having the ball in his hands and can produce some moments of pace or skill that make you take notice.
Paul Ahern 181cm/77kg
Ahern could be selected in the first handful at the draft, and he has plenty of fans amongst the clubs. There's an reason for that, because he has something that sets him apart - speed. Ahern is quick, and it gets him out of trouble and allows him to set up the play. The gap between his best and worst needs to shrink, but with his class around goal and the midfield, and ability to carry the ball, he can open a game up.
Lachie Weller 181cm/71kg
Weller brings some class to the draft, and you know when he has the ball he's going to do something good with it. A minor knee problem has restricted him a little bit since the U18 championships, but he still remains one of the premium midfielders available. Weller's kicking is at an elite level, he has a turn of pace and enjoys moving forward and hitting the scoreboard.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-15/p ... form-guide
Laverde seems to be a player who divides opinion with some considering him a top 5 selection wihile others a late first rounder. He's not a genuine midfielder at this stage but has scope to become one down the track.
Has the size advantage the others do not. If he tests well at the combine he could be a draft bolter. Clayton and GCS were said to be fans.
Pickett obviously has a lot of talent but our success rate with Aboriginal boys is pretty lousy. Given he's from WA and the make up of our side is currently whiter than a role of Sorbent he may struggle to settle with us though this may come down to his personality type.
Is said to be a bit lazy when it comes to defensive running.
For me if Hine is a fan and we take him we should make it a drafting strategy to take 1 or 2 other Aboriginal boys Hine rates in this draft so we have a small group coming through together.
The other two prospects sound like they also have one or two of the mandatory skill sets we should be looking for in this draft and that's speed and/or elite disposal.