Catch any particular animal you choose by the toe: a 2014 AFL Phantom Draft (Round 2)

No phantom draft would be complete without the rest of the Rounds – obviously – and it’s in these subsequent rounds that we, the clearly obsessed, make our ‘money’.

So without further ado;

Pick 22 – St Kilda: Reece McKENZIE, Northern Knights (197cm 106kg) monster KPF.

Plays like: Tom Hawkins

Confession time; McKenzie is by an immeasurable distance my favourite player in this year’s draft pool, and this pick will not surprise anyone who is acquainted with my views. What WILL surprise however, is this number: 2.87, which is the amount of seconds it took this man mountain to run 20 metres at the Combine, putting him in the top couple nationwide. Combined with equally impressive scores for his leap, agility and skills, McKenzie is an intriguing prospect, not least due to the fact that he has missed the last couple of years to focus on basketball. Though criticised for only performing against weaker sides, McKenzie is capable of tearing games apart and kicking bags. In full flight he is simply unstoppable, as 10 goals against the NT exhibited and his size and strength – gym-hardened, where Hawkins’ was puppy fat – will see him physically able to match more mature defenders early.

Why: The Saints haven’t had a powerful key forward since Gehrig retired, something they tried to remedy with the honest but unsuccessful Beau Maister. Though raw in the finer facets of elite football, McKenzie gives the Saints a presence that White and Lee both lack, and Stanley didn’t have. Can also pinch hit in the ruck.

Pick 23 – GWS: Oscar McDONALD, Murray Bushrangers (196cm 88kg) strong marking KPD.

Plays like: Phil Davis

Brother of Melbourne’s Tom, McDonald is a a very similar player to his brother; tall, stong, with underrated athleticism and absolutle dedication to beat his man. The key difference is that,  by foot, Oscar could hit the side of a barn without a ball the size of a heavy tank and multiple tries, in fact he is a very good user of the ball. A fantastic intercept mark, and a highly-regarded individual, McDonald won the 2014 TAC Cup Coaches Award and matched up favourably on all the big name key forward throughout the year. Can go forward himself to good effect.

Why: McDonald is taller than Lever and Marchbank and more defensively capable than Durdin, and having passed on them in the first round, and with Jaksch leaving for the Blues and Frost heading to more appropriate climates, the Giants will be keen on another KPD to develop.

Pick 24 – GWS (A/S): Jack STEELE, Belconnen Magpies (186cm 82kg) big bodied mid.

Plays like: Jordan Lewis

Overlooked in 2013 due to a knee injury suffered late in the year, the man with the pornstar name fought back hard – pardon the pun – to earn himself an All-Australian berth as a goal kicking mid and was duly snapped up by the Giants as an Academy selection. Though he won’t torch the grass with extreme pace, Steele has great agility and awareness and uses his sidestep to escape the contest after he wins the contested ball in close.

Why: North Melbourne bid a first round pick for the overaged midfielder, which should tell you how highly he is rated amongst clubs. Steele’s mature body will be handy alongside Ward in the Giants’ young midfield.

Pick 25 – North Melbourne: Ed VICKERS-WILLIS, Sandringham Dragons (190cm 82kg) classy tall utility.

Plays like: Sean Dempster

Standing at ‘only’ 190cm, Vickers-Willis nonethless managed at times to hold down a key position this season. It speaks to his versatility however that he was ultimately named on a back flank in the TAC Cup Team of the Year. Though he won’t be holding down a key position at AFL level, Vickers-Willis’ composure, neat disposal and elite decision making will allow him to play a role either as a floating defender or tall wingman and compensate for his relative lack of pace. A leader at his club and school, he exudes calm at all times and his versatility allows him to fill holes wherever they appear.

Why: You can never have enough class or composure and North can use both at times. Scott will love his willingness to step in to any breach and perform with a cool head.

Pick 26 – Western Bulldogs: Tyler KEITEL, East Perth Royals (194cm 86kg) mobile KPP.

Plays like: Jarrad Waite

A handy growth spurt created a key position player out of the former lightly-framed flanker. Exceptionally mobile as a tall and with his natural instinct as a medium sized player meaning he is prepared to roam far and wide seeking out the ball rather than demanding it come to where he is, Keitel perhaps play his best football as a high forward. He is however, a very capable defender, where his huge leap and physicality allow him to mix it one-out with the big forwards.

Why: A genuine swingman with a healthy bit of attitude, Keitel could well go higher depending on how the cards fall. The Dogs will be extremely happy to have him fall this far. More than adequately covers the loss of Liam Jones.

Pick 27 – Western Bulldogs: Tom LAMB, Dandenong Stingrays (192cm 83kg) hot-headed  athletic tall utility.

Plays like: David Mundy (more athletic)

Lamb is a frustrating young footballer. Skilled and athletically precocious, he should be being talked about much higher than he is, but clubs are likely to be put off somewhat by his lack of discipline and variable attitude. His incredible athletic gifts were on display at the Combine, where the sometime-tall forward came second only to former 1500 rep Hiscox in the 3km with a mighty 9mins 45 and ran an impressive 15.1 in the beep test. A thumping kick, Lamb will likely transition to a tall wingman or 3rd tall at senior level, where he will cause some genuine match-up issues with his athleticism on defenders, and his height on midfielders.

Why: Along with Bontempelli and Macrae, Lamb will the heavily inside-weighted Dogs midfield a point of difference and up forward, will create serious headaches as a mid-sized option alongside Stringer and Crameri.

Pick 28 – Carlton: Brayden MAYNARD, Sandringham Dragons (186cm 88kg) strong-bodied medium mid/utility.

Plays like: Paul Chapman

A physical footballer with a lovely set of hands, Maynard belongs in the same boat as Petracca and De Goey in terms of his danger as a forward option and ability to run through the middle, but his lower endurance base may see him slide. Though he will probably play predominantly forward early on, he is an aggressive style and strong body will ensure he sees significant time on the ball as his tank and the contested side of his game improves. Arguably Sandringham’s best player during the finals.

Why: A potential late first rounder, Malthouse – once he stops chewing the scenery – will love his marking strength and ability in front of goal and one can never have too many avenues to goal.

Pick 29 – GCS: Connor BLAKELY, Swan Districts (187cm 81kg) athletic tall inside mid.

Plays like: Blake Acres (less silky)

A courageous and physically capable midfielder, Blakely was the lynchpin of the WA midfield at the Championships. Although his game is more geared to take advantage of his inside talents, he has shown at WAFL level, that he is accomplished on the outside and can play as a taller utility. He cracks in hard and wins the clearances, but is much more cultured than he is a simple brute type. Needs to work on his composure on the outside, but there is a lot to like.

Why: The Suns midfield relies far too much on Gablett Jnr to do the heavy lifting, and with development, Blakely’s selection would go some way to rectifying that.

Pick 30 – Collingwood: Jackson NELSON, Geelong Falcons (187cm 80kg) hard-at-it def/mid.

Plays like: Jack Grimes

Nelson knows only one way, and that is straight ahead as far, fast and aggressively as possible. Surprisingly polished for a contested, no-frills type, Nelson is inspirational in the way he quietly goes about his business as a tackling, harrassing, pressuring type with no regard for his safety or whether he is fighting out of his weight class. Nelson averaged slightly over 6 tackles per game over the course of the TAC Cup season.

Why: The Pies lack a hard edge in the back half since the retirement of opposition-maligned former captain Nick Maxwell and Nelson would go a long way to rectifying that. Internally respected and hard working, Buckley will love his hard-nosed approach.

Pick 31 – West Coast: Clem SMITH, Perth Demons (177cm 78kg) explosive and aggressive small mid.

Plays like: Scott Thompson (smaller)

Smith wants to hurt you, he almost NEEDS to hurt you. His ferocity at the man, and the ball (in that order) is already near-legendary and constant comparisons to Byron Pickett are absolutely on the money. That being said – like Pickett – he certainly can play football, and is useful all over the field. Talked about as a potential first round selection before a relatively poor season and Championships, his average footskills have been drawn starkly into focus, but composure rather than lack of ability is his downfall in that area, and at his best he is a match winner, as shown in WA’s final Carnival game where he moved forward late against Vic Country, his aggressive play bringing others into the game and unsettling defenders and he ultimately kicked the sealer.

Why: Although West Coast fans will tell you they need to add height and footskills to their midfield, Smith’s versatility and aggressive edge will get him the nod. If it all clicks, the Eagles will have made a steal here.

Pick 32 – Hawthorn: Alex NEAL-BULLEN, Glenelg (182cm 77kg) hard working inside/outside mid.

Plays like: Lenny Hayes

To be likened to the great man is to soar on the wings of angels and rub shoulders with the footballing Gods. Criminally denied an All-Australian spot after the Championships, Neal-Bullen had a great Carnival as full-time midfielder, having had to spread his time between a number of positions for Glenelg. A coach-pleaser in every way, Neal-Bullen is strong on the contested ball, but deceptively capable on the outside, with good speed and a magnificent work ethic. He has also proved to be above average athletically, coming top 3 in the 3km time trial with a time of 9mins 54 and recording a very respectable 15.2 beep test at the Combine.

Why: With Sewell retiring, Lewis and Hodge getting older and Hallahan leaving for sunnier pastures, the Hawks could use some new blood on the inside.

Pick 33 – Richmond: Peter BAMPTON, Norwood (182cm 83kg) strong inside mid.

Plays like: Brad Sewell

A contested football paragon, what he lacks in pure athleticism he more than makes up for in football smarts and inside ability. He is not at all an outside footballer, and is somewhat of a one dimensional footballer, but it is one hell of a dimension. He has played significant senior football in the WAFL and is physically ready to go, with smooth hands and an incredible dedication to the task on the inside.

Why: Selecting Bampton allows the Tigers to release Cotchin to a more dual role and covers for the retirement of journeyman Matt Thomas. Adds a hard edge and single-minded contested beast to the midfield.

Pick 34 – Fremantle: Damien CAVKA, Calder Cannons (184cm 79kg) hard-running outside mid.

Plays like: Leigh Montagna (lesser kick)

An outside runner with a touch of genuine class, Cavka amasses outstanding possession numbers and provides a goal threat as a link-up player through hard running, though his kicking can be hit and miss. What fans will love about him is his appetite for the contest; despite his heavily outside game, Cavka is a renowned and ferocious tackler and two-way runner and may well start his career as a tagger through the midfield. He is also a big game player; Cavka averaged a fantastic four goals and 28 disposals per game for Calder during the finals series.

Why: Cavka’s mighty endurance and willingness to work hard and get involved are something Ross Lyon will love. If his field kicking improves he will be a very dangerous midfielder at senior level.

Pick 35 – Adelaide: Daniel HOWE, Murray Bushrangers (191cm 84kg) overage medium/tall defender.

Plays like: Jeremy Howe

A high-leaping utility, Howe was unluckily overlooked as a medium forward target at last year’s draft. Rather than throwing in the towel, he went away and reinvented himself as a rebounding defender cum tall midfielder. Very strong and confident overhead, he backs himself to mark the ball at all times, rather than punch, which when appropriate makes him an attacking threat from half back. Howe projects as a value selection as a third tall defender who can push higher when required as he is very comfortable with the ball in hand.

Why: Having taken Marchbank earlier to address their KPD stocks the Crows will be happy to take Howe as a tall option who can play all over the ground and provide flexibility.

Pick 36 – North Melbourne: Dillon VIOJO-RAINBOW, Western Jets (185cm 80kg) long-kicking medium defender.

Plays like: Matt Suckling

Famous for his fairly unique surname, Viojo-Rainbow is much more notable for his lazer-like left boot. Though he may be used primarily off half back throughout his career, Viojo-Rainbow has quite a surprising turn of speed and an already strong body, which may see him spend some time as a outside midfielder of sorts. His marking ability is also oddly strong for medium-sized player, which allows him to play taller than he is, and then run off the taller players and involve himself further up the ground.

Why: The Roos will love his thunderous boot and class. Eventually Viojo-Rainbow may prove a handy succession plan for life after Dal.

Pick 37 – Sydney Swans: Dougal HOWARD, Murray Bushrangers (196cm 88kg) athletic project KPP.

Plays like: Lachie Henderson

Howard is a (former) GWS Academy member and NSW rep from the Murray Bushrangers. Whilst very raw, he is equally adept at both ends, though he probably played his best footy during the year at centre half back where his height, superb leap and great marking ability gives him an advantage over most forwards. Despite his form in the back half he showed in the GF curtain raiser that he is a dangerous forward when he spends time down there. Runs a 2.92 20mtr sprint.

Why: In defence, the Swans have manfully battled with Ted Richards (32) and an undersized Heath Grundy (29) in the key spots; NSW full back Abe Davis will come with the Swans last pick, but at a developed 193cm he projects as more of a third tall – either forward or back – and although 196cm Xavier Richards will be upgraded, the KPP stocks, particularly down back, are oddly thin.

Pick 38 – Sydney Swans (A/S): Jack HISCOX, Sydney Uni (184cm 74kg) running machine outside mid.

Plays like: Isaac Smith

A former underage National champion over 800 metres, Hiscox is a supreme athlete. At the Combine he destroyed the field on the way on the way to setting a new Combine record in the 3km and topped the beep test alongside pocket dynamo Caleb Daniel with a mighty 16.1, which was surprisingly short of the preseason mark of 16.8 he set early in the year. A development project as a footballer, he is nonetheless quite capable skill-wise and backs his incredible athleticism to beat his man.

Why: The Swans have time and depth on their side and can nurse Hiscox through his maturation as a footballer. If he develops as they hope the Swans will gain an absolutely athletically-elite midfielder.

Pick 39 – Western Bulldogs: Jordan CUNICO, Gippsland Power (184cm 72kg) hard-edged outside running mid.

Plays like: Brett Stanton

Dubbed ‘the running man’ but the folks at TAC Cup Radio, the Gippsland product will run and run his opponent into the ground before unloading to a forward target with his long and accurate footskills. He is a tenacious tackler and above average mark for his size, but still needs to add mass to his very light frame.

Why: Will take some time to gain the necessary body to withstand the rigours of AFL football, but when he does he will add significant outside pace, run and class to the Dogs’ wealth of inside beasts.

Pick 40 – Melbourne: Dean GORE, Sturt (183cm 86kg) mature big-bodied inside mid.

Plays like: Luke Dunstan

Gore had a very strong Carnival as the heavy lifter of the SA midfield, excelling at the inside game. Possessed of a mature body already, he has spent the season playing Senior footy for Sturt, predominantly as the inside mid he is, but pleasingly also on half back and at half forward where he got to show off his improving outside game. Though he will probably never be a super athletic player, he still impressed at the Combine with a beep test over 14, a sub 3 second 20m sprint and posted elite numbers in the kicking tests.

Why: Like the Saints’ Dunstan, Gore has the body to play straight away and would be perfectly set to assist Nathan Jones on ball for the Dees. With his work ethic and no frills approach he is a player Roos will love.

Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe: a 2014 AFL Phantom Draft (Round 1)

It’s an inalienable fact that those of us who endanger our relationships poring over endless football articles  in relation to drafts and trading, and attending far-flung and windswept ovals to watch young footballers we don’t know, are a strange breed.

It says a lot about the psyche of deeply committed football fans that we are so invested in the machinations of our clubs that we feel the need to get some form of handle on something over which we have absolutely no control, but then again, it’s just so much fun, and when one is a lowly St Kilda supporter – as I am – it’s just about all we have to currently look forward to!

Having spent years debating the ins and outs and relative merits of the labours of others, I decided it’s high time I put myself to the test, so here, in a mighty lengthy debut for this blog, is my effort at taming the mighty beast that is the AFL National Draft.

Pick 1 – St Kilda: Christian PETRACCA, Eastern Ranges (186cm 92kg) dominant mid/fwd.

Plays like: Dustin Martin

Quite simply, the best player in the draft pool. Petracca was impressive enough last year – and arguably the Ranges’ most dangerous player behind Tom Boyd – as a mobile third forward. He either knew or was told that he would need to add versatility to be a force at AFL level, and boy did he! Petracca hired a running coach over the summer and threw himself into becoming the most dominant midfield force at TAC Cup level. Blessed with pace, strength, skill and a wicked sidestep, the former basketballer will find the step up to league level very little trouble.

Why: The Saints have holes across the board, but you don’t pass up on the best in the year.

Pick 2 – Melbourne: Angus BRAYSHAW, Sandringham Dragons (187cm 87kg) classy inside mid.

Plays like: Sam Mitchell (taller)

As has been widely reported, Brayshaw is the son of former North Melbourne utility Mark, and nephew of giddy Footy Show host James. A coalface workhorse, to pigeonhole Brayshaw as a no-frills footballer due to his predominant inside game is woefully inaccurate and belies the significant talent the Dragons skipper possesses. Whilst Brayshaw excels in the clinches and doesnt possess elite speed, he moves smoothly and his class on the outside cannot be underestimated. An inspiring young man, his leadership abilities are something that Paul Roos would be salivating over.

Why: Melbourne need class and leadership. Brayshaw has both in spades.

Pick 3 – Melbourne: Paddy McCARTIN, Geelong Falcons (193cm 95kg) old-fashioned full forward.

Plays like: Taylor Walker

To watch Paddy McCartin play football is to be transported back to the days of full strength beer, moustachioed ruckmen and fearful key defenders. McCartin is an old-fashioned full forward in the Lockett and Dunstall mode, with a simple approach to the game; see ball, get ball, kick goal, and if anyone gets in your way, put them in traction. Aggressive at the man and the ball, he will put bums on seats and instantly lay claim to crowd favouritism. Like Brayshaw, to class McCartin as a simple footballer is a long way from the truth. His workrate and leading patterns point to a young man with significant ‘footy smarts’. Whilst he will most likely never be a particularly wide-roaming player, his inspirational attack and infectious personality will bring his teammates into the game.

Why: Dawes isn’t aggressive enough and isn’t getting it done. Far from being too similar to Jesse Hogan, I think Paddy will compliment him beautifully.

Pick 4 – GWS: Peter WRIGHT, Calder Cannons (203cm 102kg) athletic fwd/ruck.

Plays like: Drew Petrie

‘Two-metre Peter’ is a beautifully skilled, athletic man mountain. He is also inconsistent. He showed against the Knights just how could he could be as a forward with a super 29 touches, 14 marks and 4 goals. For Vic Metro, he showed how effective he can be as a ruckman, not only winning taps effortlessly, but using his athleticism to make himself an extra midfielder when the ball hid the deck. IF, he manages to put it all together on a regular basis, he could well be an absolute bargain, even this early in the draft.

Why: With Tom Boyd jumping ship to the Dogs, Wright will slip in fairly seamlessly as a genuine marking target down forward who spend short stints in the ruck to assist Mumford.

Pick 5 – Collingwood: Jayden LAVERDE, Western Jets (190cm 82kg) athletic tall utility.

Plays like: Marcus Bontempelli

An athletic and slick utility, Laverde projects long-term as a tall wingman who swings into the middle on occasion, although he will probably start at half back. With some significant similarities to Scott Pendlebury, not the least of which is his lethal kicking, along with elite agility and speed, Laverde will make the difficult look easy on regular occasions and his dashing runs from the backline and down the wings will cut many opposition sides to ribbons.

Why: With the super season of Bontempelli still very fresh in everyone’s mind, and their midfield being a little small, the Pies may be inclined to take the plunge.

Pick 6 – GWS: Lachie WELLER, Broadbeach (181cm 77kg) skilled outside mid.

Plays like: Ryan Griffen

Sublimely skilled with an eye for goal, Weller is a beautiful mover and a genuinely classy classic centreman. He is always willing to try something with the ball in hand, and although still lightly framed, will fight as hard as anyone in contested situations. His teammates will always look to get the ball in his hand, trusting in Weller turning on the afterburners and delivering the ball to forward targets lace-out every time.

Why: Having lost Jono O’Rourke and Dom Tyson in recent years, Coniglio having injury issues, and facing a potential mass exodus next season, the Giants will want to add further class.

Pick 7 – GWS: Paul AHERN, Calder Cannons (181cm 77kg) skilled mid/fwd.

Plays like: Luke Dahlhaus

Ahern just has more time than the bloke trying to tackle him. In fact, he has more time than just about everyone, with his serious agility, awareness and pace a highlight. Possessed of fabulous skill and a dangerous threat around goal, Ahern will slice an opposition team to ribbons if given a little space. Had a super TAC Cup GF in a losing side.

Why: Ahern gives GWS another mid/small forward option to take some of the pressure off Devon Smith and with an eye to Rhys Palmer’s eventual replacement.

Pick 8 – GCS: Sam DURDIN, West Adelaide (197cm, 89kg) classy KPP/ruck.

Plays like: Lachie Hansen (classier)

Talked about as a potential number 1 pick earlier in the year, an indifferent season for West Adelaide and a Carnival for South Australia that didn’t reach the lofty heights expected may see him slide a little further than first thought. At his best Durdin is a force in the air, amazing below his kness and a magnificent mover for a young man standing nearly 6’6. Though he has played all season against men in the SANFL, and not been disgraced, Durdin will need to find another 5-10kgs in a hurry if he is to play AFL early, although he shows the body shape to fill out well enough.

Why: GC is fairly light on for KPD, where Durdin seems to play his best football, with Rory Thompson and an undersized Stephen May the only genuine options down back. Sam Day has disappointed so far, and while Durdin is a classy forward, long term he projects as a star CHB.

Pick 9 – Collingwood (F/S): Darcy MOORE, Oakleigh Chargers (199cm 93kg) athletic KPP.

Plays like: Ben Reid

Along with Isaac Heeney, probably the steal of the draft. Moore would arguably go top 3 if he wasn’t his father’s son, but by God aren’t Pies supporters glad he is. A dead-ringer for his father both in looks and his amazing athletic prowess for a big man, Moore shows great leadership skills in addition to his precocious talent, and his hanger for Oakleigh in the TAC Cup preliminary final against Sandringham underlined his ability.

Why: Father/Son romance aside, you don’t pass up a ‘free’ swing at a seriously talented key position prospect such as Moore. Initially likely to be a defender, Moore is equally dangerous at both ends.

Pick 10 – Geelong: Jake LEVER, Calder Cannons (194cm 85kg) damaging athletic KPD.

Plays like: Sam Fisher

Seldom has a prospect engendered so much talk amongst football watchers without playing a single game. Lever somewhat famously tore an ACL in January of this year, after dominating as an underaged, and somewhat undersized CHB for Calder and Vic Metro. Possessed of an aggressive nature and a near-obsessive work ethic, Lever is also a dangerous man to stand off as a forward due to his fantastic intercept marking and way above-average footskills for a tall. Spent the entire TAC Cup season training the house down and assisting the coaching staff at Calder, but knee issue may scare clubs off early.

Why: Enright is 33, Lonergan is pushing 31, Mackie is 30 and Harry Taylor is the baby of the Cats backline at 28. They need fresh blood in the tall department and Lever is a classic aggressive and hard-working Geelong defender.

Pick 11 – West Coast: Jarrod PICKETT, South Fremantle (179cm 76kg) electric small midfielder.

Plays like: Bradley Hill

Pickett is a home grown product, and the Eagles have a bias toward picking their own. That being said, with his incredible pace and run-and-carry threat, Pickett is a perfect choice for an Eagles midfield lacking in genuine pace and flair and is surprisingly decent at winning inside ball for a small and skinny footballer. A serious goal threat when resting forward, Pickett will be very dangerous buzzing around the feet of tall forwards.

Why: Having said at the Combine that, whilst he was comfortable being drafted by an interstate club, he would “ultimately want to get back and play at home”, Pickett may be seen as too much of a go-home threat. Adds pace to a slower midfield.

Pick 12 – Richmond: Nakia COCKATOO, NT Thunder (188cm 84kg) classy versatile mid.

Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield

After a magnificent showing at the Combine, Cockatoo is finally being talked about for more than his outstanding surname. A bigger-bodied young mid, who is physically able to crack in and win the ball on the inside, he will be a dangerous prospect as an inside/outside mid with his slashing pace and slick footskills. An explosive footballer, Cockatoo will be a difficult match up, being much beefier than most speedy players and much faster than most inside bull-types. Trained with North Melbourne during 2014.

Why: Teams that fancy themselves finals contenders can afford to take the odd punt, and having made moves for David Armitage (St.K) and Jack Trengove (Melb.) during the trading period, its no secret that the Tigers are looking for some bigger-bodied mids to help out Cotchin and co.

Pick 13 – Fremantle: Hugh GODDARD, Geelong Falcons (195cm 93kg) versatile KPP.

Plays like: Harry Taylor

Another talked about as a potential number 1 pick, Goddard didn’t have quite the season that was expected of him. Though capable at both ends, Goddard has played his best football this year as an aerial threat and classy stopper across half back. His last month of TAC Cup footballer was genuinely impressive after a middling Carnival for Vic Country, taking some big scalps and managing to sneak forward for a couple of goals. Athletically gifted and possessed of a booming left foot, Goddard has all the tools, and whilst the criticism is that he doesn’t dominate or impose on games, his last month gives hope that he is headed in that direction.

Why: McPharlin is nudging retirement, and whilst the Dockers claim to be happy enough with their KPP stocks, a potential genuine number 1 defender is not something they’ll say no to.

Pick 14 – Adelaide: Caleb MARCHBANK, Murray Bushrangers (194cm 85kg) strong-marking stopper KPD.

Plays like: Luke McPharlin

A similar player to the lad taken the pick before him, Marchbank is perhaps a more natural defender and less capable forward, although he has performed more than adequately down there on occasion. Cruelled by injury over the last couple of years, he came rocketing into first round calculations on the back of a fantastic Carnival performance for a disappointing Vic Country side, and a great start to the season for the Bushies, Marchbank is the epitome of the modern tall athletic defensive stopper, who could also spend time on a wing until his body develops.

Why: With the loss of Bock, retirement of Rutten and the lack of development – Talia aside – from the other defensive prospects, Adelaide is crying out for another KPD and Marchbank is a gem.

Pick 15 – GCS: Kyle LANGFORD, Nothern Knights (190cm 73kg) versatile tall forward/mid.

Plays like: Jarrad Grant (MUCH more talented)

It’s a clunky comparison, sure, but Langford is perfectly capable of playing as key forward to a key defender, and everything in between. Just as dangerous for the Knights as his more imposing colleague Reece McKenzie, Langford is an obscenely smooth mover for a tall young man, skillful and much tougher in marking contests than his marathon runner frame would suggest. Long-term probably a tall wingman who is able to float forward or back, Langford will be a valuable player for the Suns, despite his lack of definable role to date. Destroyed Tom Lamb in the opening Championships game.

Why: A point of difference in a somewhat homogeneous Suns midfield, Langford could well be the icing on top of the concession cake that is the Gold Coast. Too classy to ignore.

Pick 16 – North Melbourne: Liam DUGGAN, Western Jets (183cm 76kg) classy mid/half back.

Plays like: Grant Birchall (smaller)

Winner of the AIS/AFL Academy’s Ben Mitchell medal, a peer-awarded prize to the player who best typifies values such as courage, commitment, trust and leadership, Duggan is clearly a well-thought of young man. Though slim, he is adept at winning his own ball on the inside and tackles hard, but it is on the outside that he is more dangerous, with his raking left foot a weapon off a wing or half back. With good pace and an attacking midset, Duggan is a prototype modern wingman.

Why: Often accused of being workmanlike and lacking polish, the Roos addressed this criticism with the addition of Dal Santo, and Duggan is a similar player. Will be a handful alongside last year’s prized father/son star Luke McDonald.

Pick 17 – Essendon: Jordan DE GOEY, Oakleigh Chargers (187cm 82kg) physical fwd/mid.

Plays like: Jack Billings (more physical)

Dangerous as a forward, aggressive and physical as a midfielder, De Goey had a great season for the Chargers. Like Billings he is a major threat in the air, with extremely strong hands for a ‘small’, and has classy disposal with his kicking a highlight. With his aggressive attack on the ball and man, and his capability as a genuine forward target, De Goey reminds watchers a little of the great Leigh Matthews.

Why: Paul Chapman is nearly on an Aged pension, and De Goey will be a super replacement for the great man. Chapman aside, the Dons lack that hard edge in the forward half and De Goey will provide it in spades.

Pick 18 – Sydney Swans (A/S): Isaac HEENEY, Cardiff Hawks (186cm 82kg) dominant complete mid.

Plays like: Nathan Jones

THE steal of the draft, were it not for Heeney’s status as an Academy selection, he would rightly be deep in discussions for the first pick in the draft. The most completely dominant player in Division Two, he would have been the same force in Division One and could comfortably play Round 1 for the Swans. His attack on the ball is beyond compare and his skills, whilst not necessarily elite in and of themselves, are neat and incisive. He is a beast already, and a jet of a footballer.

Why: Having been smashed in the clinches by the Hawks on Grand Final day, the Swans will be more than happy to add Heeney to the midfield mix. Will play early.

Pick 19 – Carlton: Jarrod GARLETT, South Fremantle (177cm 72kg) speedy small mid/fwd.

Plays like: Jeff Garlett

One in, one out, Carlton fans will be hoping for more of the good, and less of the off-field from Garlett 2.0, and it seems they’ll get exactly that. Garlett had a superb Combine, showing elite speed and endurance and a his Championships form exhibited his skill and defensive pressure. Likely to start forward and roam higher, at least until he puts some bulk on his small frame, his tackling pressure and speed will cause nightmares for the league’s small defenders. Though small, his explosiveness away from the contest will ultimately see him transition into a small outside midfielder.

Why: With an Daisy Thomas failing to excite, Garlett 1.0 leaving for Melbourne and Judd starting to look his age at the end of a fine career, Carlton need an injection of flash and excitement. Garlett has this with the added bonus of a work ethic.

Pick 20 – Essendon: Connor MENADUE, Western Jets (188cm 69kg) explosive mid.

Plays like: Jordan Murdoch

One of the fastest footballers in the crop, Menadue stamped his claim to genuine bolter status with a top 10 finish in the 3km time trial, 20mtr sprint and repeat sprint categories at the Combine. Menadue is a lot more than a simple ‘running man’ however, with an appetite for the contest that belies his waif-like frame. One of the Jets best over the course of the TAC Cup season, his dashing runs through the middle and wings were a sight to behold, as was his willingness to take the game on.

Happy to do the hard work as well, his performance in the Jets’ elimination final loss justified his presence in first round discussions; Menadue was justifiably named BOG  for a mighty 27 disposal game – at a whopping 87% efficiency – with 18 handball receives exhibiting his workrate to go with his two goals. Will need to add weight, but will be a weapon in time.

Why: With a somewhat one-paced midfield, the Bombers would be excited to have Menadue’s elite dash and intent lob at Tullamarine.

Pick 21 – St Kilda: Corey Ellis, Western Jets (185cm 76kg) slick hardworking mid.

Plays like: Nick Dal Santo

Another Jet, who has perhaps escaped the notability of his more-fancied teammates due to his less flashy approach to the game, Ellis is a lovely mix of inside and outside capability. With magnificent vision and an almost uncanny ability to slip an opponent’s tackle, Ellis is a master at playing the conduit between the in-and-under mids and the purely outside runners (although he too is effective at both roles). Like Dal Santo, Ellis is adept on both sides of his body and in time will settle into the oh-so-fashionable ‘quarterback’ role in midfield.

Why: Adding Acres and Billings to the squad addressed the Saints’ need for class in the middle, but Ellis will add more to a burgeoning midfield group. His mix of inside and outside play will allow for the more outside types to stick to that role.