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by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

 

Saturday, November 25,  was a big day for footy as it was the national draft. This year's pool of talent was one of the richest in several years with all 16 clubs quite pleased with the players they selected. Not unexpectedly, of course, was South Australian youngster Bryce Gibbs being at the top of the heap and going to Carlton. Of all the delisted players who nominated for the draft, only two were selected - Tiger David Rodan and Saint Matthew Ferguson. The rest still have the option of nominating for the preseason draft.

 

All clubs were required to submit a second listing of players to the league at the end of October as part of their preparation for the November draft. Below are the changes made by each club:

 

ADELAIDE

No additions prior to draft

 

OUT: Matthew Clarke (retired); delisted Ben Hart, Chad Gibson, Alan Obst,  Hayden  Skipworth

 

BRISBANE

IN: Scott Harding, Jason Roe, and Cheynee Stiller promoted to senior list from rookie list

 

OUT: Jason Akermanis traded to Bulldogs, Justin Leppitsch (retired), Mal Michael (retired), Brad Scott (retired); delisted Jayden Attard, Clark Keating, Anthony Corrie

 

NOTE: Michael Voss, although retired, will remain on the club list for 2007 for salary cap reasons 

 

CARLTON

IN: Craig Flint promoted from rookie list

 

OUT: Barnaby French and Adrian Deluca retired; delisted Callum Chambers,  Justin Davies,

Luke Livingston, Troy Longmuir, Cory McGrath, Ian Prendergast, Trent Sporn                       

 

COLLONGWOOD

IN: Paul Medhurst traded from Fremantle; Shannon Cox, Harry O'Brien, and Alan Toovey promoted from rookie list

 

OUT: Chris Tarrant traded to Fremantle; Blake Caracella and Chad Morrison retired; delisted Cameron Cloke, Jason Cloke, David Fanning, Tristan Walker, Brent Hall, Adam Iacobucci, Julian Rowe 

 

ESSENDON

No additions prior to draft

 

OUT: Dean Solomon traded to Fremantle; Dean Rioli retired; delisted Tristan Cartledge, Aaron Henneman, Austin Lucy, Adam Ramanauskas*, Joel Reynolds

 

*will be redrafted via rookie list per AFL approval

 

FREMANTLE

IN: Paul Duffield promoted from rookie list, Dean Solomon traded from Essendon, Chris Tarrant traded from Collingwood

 

OUT: Paul Medhurst traded to Collingwood, Graham Polak traded to Richmond; Jarrad Schofield retired; delisted Benet Copping, Daniel Haines, Michael Warren

 

GEELONG

IN: Tom Hawkins claimed prior to draft under father/son rule; Sam Hunt promoted from rookie list

 

OUT: Peter Riccardi retired; delisted Kent Kingsley, Paul Koulouriotis, Matthew McCarthy; delisted Tom Lonergan*

 

*will be redrafted to rookie list

 

HAWTHORN

IN: promoted Stephen Gilham and Ben McGlynn promoted from rookie list; Josh Kennedy claimed under father/son rule

 

OUT: Peter Everitt traded to Sydney, John Barker retired; delisted Matthew Ball, Luke Brennan, Harry Miller, Nick Ries, Josh Thurgood

 

KANGAROOS

IN: Ed Lower, Scott McMahon, and Djaran Whyman promoted from rookie list

 

OUT: Jade Rawlings and Saverio Rocca retired; delisted Corey Jones, Troy Makepeace,  Mark Powell, Cameron Thurley, Brent LeCras, Joel Perry, and Benjamin Schwarze 

 

MELBOURNE

IN: Matthew Warnock promoted from rookie list 

 

OUT: Alistair Nicholson retired; delisted Shannon Motlop and Nicholas Smith 

 

PORT ADELAIDE

IN: Greg Bentley and Tom Logan promoted from rookie list

 

OUT: Gavin Wanganeen, Josh Francou, Adam Kingsley, and Stuart Dew retired; delisted Matthew Bishop, Elijah Ware, Ben Eckermann, Peter Walsh, Aaron Shattock, and James  

 

RICHMOND

IN: Graham Polak traded from Fremantle 

 

OUT: Mark Chaffey and Greg Stafford retired; delisted Andrew Kellaway, Dean Limbach, Tom Roach, David Rodan

 

ST KILDA

IN: Shane Birss traded from Western Bulldogs, Michael Gardiner traded from West Coast

 

OUT: Justin Peckett and Stephen Powell retired; delisted Cain Ackland, Cathal Corr, Ed McDonnell, Matthew Ferguson, Dylan Pfitzner, Mark McGough, Troy Schwarze, and Allan Murray 

 

SYDNEY

IN: Peter Everitt traded from Hawthorn; Simon Phillips and Jonathan Simpkin promoted from rookie list

 

OUT: Paul Chambers and Paul Williams retired; delisted Matthew Davis, Andrew Ericksen, Earl Shaw, David Spriggs, and Josh Willoughby

 

WEST COAST

IN: Steven Armstrong and Matthew Priddis promoted from rookie list 

 

OUT: Drew Banfield retired and Peter Matera retired; Michael Gardiner traded to St. Kilda, Andrew McDougall traded to Western Bulldogs; delisted Damien Atkins, Travis Gaspar,and Brad Smith

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS

IN: Jason Akermanis traded from Brisbane, Andrew McDougall traded from West Coast

 

OUT: Shane Birss traded to St. Kilda; Rohan Smith retired; delisted Keiren McGuinness, 

Adam Morgan, Brad Murphy, Jesse Wells, Michael West 

 

Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release

 

Below are delisted players who nominated for the draft:

 

ADELAIDE: Ben Hart, Chad Gibson, Alan Obst, Hayden Skipworth

 

BRISBANE: Jayden Attard, Clark Keating 

 

CARLTON: Luke Livingston, Cory McGrath, Ian Prendergast, Trent Sporn 

 

COLLINGWOOD: Cameron Cloke, Jason Cloke, David Fanning, Adam Iacobucci, Julian Rowe 

 

ESSENDON: Tristan Cartledge, Aaron Henneman, Austin Lucy, Joel Reynolds 

 

FREMANTLE: Benet Copping, Daniel Haines, Michael Warren 

 

GEELONG: Paul Koulouriotis, Matthew McCartney 

 

HAWTHORN: Matthew Ball, Luke Brennan, Harry Miller, Nick Ries, Josh Thurgood 

 

KANGAROOS: Chad Jones, Brent LeCras, Troy Makepeace, Joel Perry, Ben Schwarze 

 

MELBOURNE: Nick Smith 

 

PORT ADELAIDE: James Ezard, Peter Walsh, Elijah Ware 

 

RICHMOND: Andrew Kellaway, Dean Limbach, Tom Roach, David Rodan 

 

ST. KILDA: Matthew Ferguson, Alan Murray, Troy Schwarze 

 

SYDNEY: Matthew Davis, Andrew Eriksson, Earl Shaw, David Spriggs, Josh Willoughby 

 

WEST COAST: Damian Adkins, Travis Gaspar, Brad Smith 

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS: Kieran McGuinness, Adam Morgan, Michael West

  

Unlisted Players given permission to train with AFL clubs:  

 

BRIS:  Timothy Brown, Geelong Falcons; Leonard Clark, Brisbane Lions Rookie; Will Hamill, Brisbane Lions Rookie

 

CARL: Ross Young, Northern Bullants; Ty Zantuck, Zillmere Eagles 

 

COL: Martin Clarke (County Down, Ireland)

 

ESS:  Matthew Firman, Essendon; Ben Jolley, Essendon; Justin Maddern, Bendigo Bombers; Tim O’Keefe, Essendon; David Rodan, Richmond

  

GEEL: Adam Iacobucci, Collingwood; Joel Reynolds, Essendon

 

HAW: Troy Armstrong, Box Hill Hawks; Marcus Crook, Box Hill Hawks; Sam Gibson, Box Hill Hawks; Pat Hassett, Box Hill Hawks; John Holmes, Box Hill Hawks; Cameron Hunter, Box Hill Hawks; Brad Kelleher, Box Hill Hawks; David Marcius, Box Hill Hawks; Cameron Pedersen, Box Hill Hawks; Tom Pollett, Box Hill Hawks; Matthew Foster, Glenelg; Jonathon Wynne, Norwood; Tristan Cartledge, Essendon; Ben Kane, Hawthorn; Luke Brennan, Hawthorn; Josh Thurgood, Hawthorn; Stefan Garrubba, Sydney Swans

 

KANG: Ian Callinan (Tasmania), Aaron Edwards (Frankston)

 

PORT ADELAIDE: Nick Batchelor, Geelong; Bryce Campbell, Norwood; Adam Cockshell, Norwood; James Ezard, Port Adelaide; Brad Geddes, Eagles (SA); Nick Gill, North Adelaide; Matthew Graham, Glenelg; Kyle Jenner, Port Magpies; Jack Juniper, Fremantle; Brodie Lomas, Eagles (SA); Harry Miller, Hawthorn; Adam Pepe Port Magpies; Tom Rischbieth, Port Adelaide; Hayden Skipworth, Adelaide; Josh Willoughby, Sydney Swans

 

RICH: Nick Carnell, Coburg; Shaun Huy, Coburg; Jake King, Coburg; Kent Kingsley, Coburg; Dean Limbach, Richmond; James Podsiadly, Werribee; Sam Robertson, Coburg

 

WEST COAST: Ben Sharp, West Perth; Brad Smith, Subiaco; Ashley Thornton, Peel Thunder; Beau Wilkes, Claremont

 

WB:  James Allan, Werribee; Robert Castello, Werribee; Brett Robinson, Werribee; Wayde Twomey, Werribee; Samuel Wormald, Werribee; Jarrod Young, Werribee

 

Source: Melbourne Age & Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release

 

DRAFT DAY 

NOTE: Draft selection number is in ( ), followed by junior club and age; converted height and weight measurements are also in ( ).  

 

ADELAIDE 

JAMES SELLAR (14), Glenelg, 17, 195 cm (6'4") 91 kg (200 lbs) 
Ruckman/forward who played a handful of senior games for Glenelg. Won Sheehan Medal in 2005 under-16 national championships and is a 2006 AIS-AFL Academy graduate. 

 

KURT TIPPETT (32), Southport (QLD), 19, 201 cm (6'6"), 96 kg (211 lbs) 

Former basketballer who has played footy for less than two years. Described by QLD Under-18s coach Craig McRae as a "monster forward...like Alistair Lynch" with a grip similar to that of former Saint Stewart Loewe. Represented QLD at national tournament in 2006 and played in Southport's senior premiership. 

 

DAVID MacKAY (48), Oakleigh Chargers in TAC, 18, 182 cm (5'9"), 70 kg (154) 

Winger with good endurance and skills. Represented Vic Metro at U-18s and played in Oakleigh's 2006 premiership.

NICK GILL (64), North Adelaide, 24, 192 cm (6'3"), 90 kg (198) 
Tall forward drafted by Melbourne in 2000, but was delisted at the end of 2001 without a senior game. Is athletic, has speed, endurance and is a strong mark.  and fine mark who can let himself down with disposal. Has excellent speed and endurance. His presence could some way to making up for the absence of knee victims Trent Hentschel and Rhett Biglands.

 

BRYCE CAMPBELL (78), Norwood, 22, 183 cm (6'), 73 kg 160) 
Originally from Wagga Wagga in NSW (also home to Paul Kelly and Wayne Carey), he has been with Norwood in the SANFL for three seasons. Was a member of the state team and finished in the top five in Norwood's best and fairest in 2006.  


THE CLUB SAYS: "We did load up on a few talls, obviously, but Sellar was a surprise to us. We weren't expecting him to be there but, at the risk of going taller than we intended, it wasn't possible to go past him. We need to start growing a few more of our own talls, anyway." 

 

James Fantasia, Recruiting Manager

 

Analysis:

Addressed short and long-term key position needs with three tall players. Sellar and Tippett join Maric, Meesen, and Griffin in the Adelaide stable of young talls while Gill will be asked to hold the fort in the absence of Hentschel and Biglands.

 

BRISBANE LIONS
MATTHEW LEUENBERGER (4), East Perth, 18, 203 cm (6'6"), 93 kg (204)

Another Dean Cox and is ready to step straight into senior football. Touted as the best ruckman in the draft in years, he already has excellent skills and has great mobility for his size. Played senior football in WAFL and won U-18 All-Australian honors.

 

ALBERT PROUD (22),  Mt Gravat, (QLD), 18, 180 cm (5'9"), 83 kg (182)

Talented indigenous speedster who attacks the ball well. Can play midfield or forward. Plagued by injury - stress fractures, shoulder, ankle - in 2006 which caused him to slip in the draft pecking order after being rated a top five in 2005. Captained the QLD U-18 team.

 

CHRIS SCHMIDT (34), West Adelaide, 17, 188 cm (6'1 1/2"), 81 kg (178)
Tall running player able to play tall and short. Started at U-19 level with West Adelaide, then progressed to reserves, and eventually the senior side. Reads the play well and is a cousin of Sydney's Tim Schmidt. 

 

JAMES HAWKSLEY (38), Peel Thunder (WAFL), 17, 186 cm (6'1") 73 kg (160) 
This was the pick the Lions got for Akermanis. AIS-AFL graduate who represented Australia against the Irish at junior level early in 2006. Good skills and reads the game well.

 

MATTHEW TYLER (54), North Ballarat Rebels, 18, 194 cm (6"3"), 82 kg (180) 

Athletic tall who can play back or forward and represented Australia against Ireland at junior level several years ago. Played forward for Vic Country at U-18 tournament. 

 

SAM SHELDON (70), Oakleigh Chargers, 17, 183 cm (6"), 79 kg (174) 
Son of Carlton premiership player Ken Sheldon. May well have gone first or second in next year's draft if not claimed by Carlton under father/son rule. Turned down offer from Blues to wait until next year as Blues did not want to give up this year's third round selection and Sheldon was keen to start his AFL career. 


THE CLUB SAYS: "We are very happy the way the draft went. We thought Leuenberger was a tremendous selection. We rated him number two in the whole draft. Albert Proud last year would have been in the top five picks and he had a few injury problems this year. He is an explosive quick player. Schmidt and Hawksley are smart, intelligent modern era-type players."  


Graeme Allen, Football Manager

 

Analysis: 

The Lions' decision was made for them when the other three of the top four were already gone. Many recruiters rated Leuenberger the best talent in the draft. The only issue was deciding whether - with Charman, Clarke and Wood already on their list - they should go for a midfielder like Selwood or local boy Armitage, Proud is an excitement machine and Schmidt and Hawksley classic modern shapes of footballers.

 

CARLTON
BRYCE GIBBS (1), Glenelg, 17,  188 cm (6'1 1/2"), 78 kg (172) 

Outstanding player who notched 30 senior games with Glenelg before this year's draft. Also represented SA at U-18 level and was named All-Australian. Has it all - skill, reads the game well, well-balanced, can take a mark, and evade tackles. Finished top three in Glenelg best and fairest. Should have no trouble settling in or with homesickness as his family and the Kernahans are well-acquainted (former player and current director Steve Kernahan hails from Glenelg). And one of Gibbs' Glenelg teammates was also drafted by Carlton (see below).

 

SHAUN HAMPSON (17), Mt Gravatt, 18, 201 cm (6'6"), 93 kg (204) 

Played soccer until just two years ago and has progressed very well, representing QLD at the U-18s this year. Superb athlete, quick for his size, and has a great leap. 

 

SHAUN GRIGG (19), North Ballarat Rebels, 18, 190 cm (6'2"), 79 kg (174) 

Midfielder-defender who can also go forward, captained his school team, and was named U-018 All-Australian. 

 

MARK AUSTIN (35), Glenelg, 17, 193 cm (6'3"), 88 kg (194) 

Close-checking defender who missed U-18 tournament through injury but did play several senior games with Glenelg.

 

CLINT BENJAMIN (51), Claremont, 18, 189 cm (6'2"), 80 kg (176) 

Tossed around in a number of positions with Claremont's Colts' side and represented WA at U-18s. Excellent athlete with serious speed about him.

 

JOE ANDERSON (67), Darwin, 18, 188 cm (6' 1 1'2"), 81 kg (178) 

Darwin's senior best and fairest winner who captained the NT at the U-18s. Great endurance and is a running defender.


THE CLUB SAYS: "They're different shapes and sizes - ruckmen, midfielders, defenders - but they're all quick. They can all run 20 meters under three seconds and that's important, because we just want to keep bringing speed into the club."

 

Wayne Hughes, Recruiting Manager  

 

Analysis:  

The Blues got a bit of everything, and have taken a couple of minor gambles. Gibbs is a sure bet and Grigg is another tall runner although, like Benjamin and Anderson, there have been queries on his kicking. Hampson is an exciting and athletic late-blooming ruckman.

 

COLLINGWOOD
BEN REID (8), Murray Bushrangers, 17, 196 cm (6'4"), 82 kg (180)

Versatile player who can play center half forward, wing, and even pinch-hit in the ruck. Agile for his size with explosive burst of pace. Will need time in the gym. Represented Australia against Ireland in 2006 as well as Vic Country at U-18s. AIS-Academy graduate in 2005 and won Ovens & Murray League best and fairest this year.

 

NATHAN BROWN (10), North Ballarat, 17, 193 cm (6'3"), 87 kg (191)

The third Nathan Brown in the AFL. Quick for his size, strong overhead, and can play both ends of the ground.
 

CHRIS DAWES (28), Sandringham Dragons, 18, 194 cm 6'3 1/2"), 95 kg (209)

Strong marking center half forward who represented Vic Metro at U-18s. Played school footy as well as for Sandringham. A late season knee reconstruction will sideline him for most of 2007.

BRAD DICK (44), East Fremantle, 18, 182 cm 5'10"), 69 kg (152)

Elusive midfielder who is rarely tackled. A strong kick and equally skilled on both sides of his body.

TYSON GOLDSACK (63), Gippsland Power, 19, 191 cm (6'2 1/2"), 82 kg (180)

Quick, tall, athletic ballwinner who can play variety of positions.


THE CLUB SAYS: "We assess it as a really unique opportunity because, all of a sudden in one draft, we've basically shored up our whole goal-to-goal line … all these guys are 194 (cm) and above, they all run quicker than Dale Thomas. It was a once-in-a-decade opportunity."

 

Derek Hine, Recruiting Manager

 

Analysis:  

A "best available" philosophy meant the Pies ended up brimming with key-position kids. The philosophy was very long-term, most evident in their punt on Dawes, who'll miss most of 2007.

 

ESSENDON
SCOTT GUMBLETON (2), Peel Thunder, 18, 197 cm (6'4 1/2"), 92 kg ((202) 

 

Strong marking, athletic, and agile, he played senior footy with Peel all year and held down center half forward and full forward. Represented WA in 2005 and 2006, was named All-Australian in 2006, 2005 AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

 

LEROY JETTA (18), South Fremantle, 18, 177 cm (5'8"), 76 kg (167)

Two-time junior All-Australian who would have played more senior games at South Freo but for a bout of osteitis pubis. Has been compared to Crow champion Andrew McLeod with his skill, pace, and evasiveness.
 

TOM HISLOP (20), Tassie Devils, 18, 184 cm (6'), 86 kg (189)

Power player who wins the ball well and is a good mark. Averaged 20 disposals per game and led the VFL in tackles. Can play forward, back, and midfield. Excellent speed and endurance.

 

ALWYN DAVEY (36), South Adelaide, 22, 178 cm (5'8"), 72 kg (158)

Smaller but very similar to older brother Aaron. Even trained with the Demons prior to the draft. Kicked 39 goals for South Adelaide and came fifth in club best and fairest.
 

BACHAR HOULI (42), Western Jets, 18, 181 cm, (5'9"), 86 kg (189)

Highly rated by Jets Coach Mark Neeld who rated him the best he's seen in the TAC Cup. Midfielder with great endurance and ballwinning skills. A devout Muslim who prays five times a day according to his religious dictates. He sought permission from religious leaders to break his fasting to prepare for the draft camp. Is the first Muslim in AFL ranks and hopes to be a role model for others to follow in his footsteps.

 

KYLE REIMERS (47), Peel Thunder, 17, 184 cm  (6'), 78 kg (171)

Played some senior footy as a 15 year old with a local club south of Perth. Clever, well-balanced forward with a competitive streak which sees him attack the ball and provide good defensive pressure. 


THE CLUB SAYS: "We're really happy. Gumbleton at pick two is a fantastic pick for the future of our club and to get Jetta at 18 was an absolute steal. We wanted to really get some speed into our midfield, and some class, and some toughness. When you add today's results with Mal Michael, it's really improved our list."


Adrian Dodoro, Recruiting Manager

 

Analysis:

The Bombers loaded up at the "super draft", taking its six players inside three rounds. Gumbleton looks as top notch as any No. 2 draft pick has, and Jetta and Davey bring speed. Each draftee, except possibly Reimers, looks ready to go.

 

FREMANTLE
CLAYTON COLLARD (31), East Fremantle, 18, 182 cm (5'10"), 85 kg (187) 

Small, agile forward who is a good mark for his size. Can also play in the middle. WA U-18  representative in 2006 and 2005 AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

 

BROCK O'BRIEN (53), Peel Thunder, 18, 180 cm (5'9"), 75 kg (165)

Represented Australia against Ireland and WA at U-18 level. Severe hamstring tear restricted him to just four senior games. Tough, long-kicking, running half back.
 

CALIB MORRISH (77), East Fremantle, 18, 189 cm (6'2"), 85 kg (187)

Tall, strong marking forward who played mostly country footy, but did play one senior game with East Fremantle.

THE CLUB SAYS

"Basically, we went best available. They were all basically in our top 30."


Phil Smart, Recruiting Manager


Analysis:

Went for West Aussies only this year, and might have scored a coup with Collard who, if he applies himself, could be the next Wizard. O'Brien is a take-no-prisoners type. 

 

GEELONG
JOEL SELWOOD, (7), Bendigo Pioneers, 18, 182 cm 5'10"), 80 kg (176)

Younger brother of Twins Adam (West Coast) and Troy (Brisbane), he played only 3 senior games because of a knee injury. Skilled midfielder with excellent leadership skills. 
 

NATHAN DJERRKURA (25), Wanderers (NT), 18, 176 cm ((5'7"), 77 kg (169)

Pacy midfielder/forward with a rugby background. Loves the tough stuff, not afraid to take players on or take risks. Best player for the NT at the U-18 nationals winning All-Australian selection and impressed at the draft camp. 
 

TOM HAWKINS (41), Melbourne Grammar, 18, 197 (6'5"), 95 kg (209)

Another Jonathan Brown in size and talent. Probably would have been gone in the top five but for Geelong taking him under the father-son rule.
 

SIMON HOGAN (57), Geelong Falcons, 18, 181 cm (5'9"), 68 kg (149)

Midfielder with plenty of pace. Ranked in the top percent in most running tests at draft camp.
One-touch midfielder with excellent endurance and speed. Ranked in top percentage of most running tests at the draft camp.


THE CLUB SAYS: "We were open to other things, but as it turned out the players we drafted have all got midfield speed and endurance."


Stephen Wells, Recruiting Manager

 

Analysis:

How could they lose? Had Hawkins in the third round and while they missed on Travis Boak, Selwood was handy compensation. Midfield speed clearly addressed with the other choices.

 

HAWTHORN 

MITCHELL THORP (6), 17, Tassie Devils, 194 cm (6'3"), 86 kg (189)

Played well in 10 senior games for Tasmania. Can play forward or back and has the size for senior AFL football already.
 

BRENT RENOUF (24), Southport (Tasmania), 18, 200 cm (6'5"), 92 kg (202)

Former New Zealand rugby player who has been playing footy for only five years. Topped the draft camp in running vertical jump (3 1/2 feet) and finished in top 11% in endurance test, a 3 km (4.83 miles) run in 10.30 minutes. Played defense in Southport's premiership. 


JARRYD MORTON (33), Claremont (WAFL), 18, 191 cm (6'2 1/2"), 80 kg (176)
Strong marking forward or defender. Played for Claremont Colts' team all season and was one of the best on ground in the team's grand final. Brother Mitch is at West Coast.

 

JOSH KENNEDY (40 - Father-son selection), Sandringham, 18, 186 cm (6'), 86 kg (189)
Ball-winning midfielder who has been a standout for the Dragons and Xavier College this year.

 

GARRY MOSS (56), East Perth, 18, 180 cm (5'9") , 70 kg (154)

Skilled ballwinning rover who played some senior football for East Perth. Captained WA at U-18 level and won All-Australian honors. AIS-AFL Academy graduate in 2005.
 

72 - Pass

 

KANGAROOS
LACHLAN HANSEN (3), Gippsland Power, 18, 197 cm (6'4"), 90 kg (198) 

Key position player who can also run through the middle. Quick for his size and a strong mark. All-Australian under-18.

 

GAVIN URQUHART (21),  Morningside (QLD), 18, 181 cm (5'9"), 80 kg (176)

Hard running and skilled midfielder who missed a lot of football due to osteitis pubis. 2005 U-18 representative for QLD, U-18 All-Australian, and 2005 AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

TODD GOLDSTEIN (37), Oakleigh Chargers,18, 201 cm (6'6"), 106 kg (247)

Represented Australia on an U-19 basketball tour of the USA and was offered basketball scholarships by several US colleges but turned to footy 15 months ago and has developed into an excellent tap ruckman with excellent ground level skills. Oakleigh Coach Rohan Welsh calls him "a beauty".
 

LINDSAY THOMAS, (53), Port Adelaide Magpies, 18, 180 cm (76 kg (167)

Super quick Aboriginal who rose from the reserves to senior level with Port and won the club's most improved player award. Played primarily on a wing as a prolific ballwinner, but played as a small forward at the nationals.

 

BEN WARREN (69), Zillmere (QLD), 17, 186 cm (6'), 78 kg (171)

Missed the U-18s tournament due to a broken arm, but did play senior football with Zillmere and dominated in front of goal as a medium size forward
 

AARON EDWARDS (82), Frankston (VIC), 22, 184 cm (6'), 88 kg (194)

Pacy, strong marking forward rookie-listed by West Coast in 2002, but spent all of 2003-04 in the WAFL. Managed four senior games in 2005 but was delisted at the end of year.  and was de. Returned to Frankston in the VFL and kicked 100 goals in 2006 and won the Liston Trophy (VFL equivalent of the Brownlow). Played for Dandenong as a junior and represented Vic Metro at the 2002 U-18s. Great hands and deceptively strong. 


THE CLUB SAYS:  

"It wasn't hard to make the choice with Lachy because of his size, his athleticism — there is so much upside. I see him more as a defender but he has played forward and kicked goals. We set out to pick the best players available but in so doing we also covered the deficiencies in our list along the way."

 

Neville Stibbard, Recruiting Manager  

 

Analysis:  

Tremendous balance in selections. Hansen is blue chip. They have matched that with a classy utility, a ruckman athlete in Goldstein and a slick small classy forward. Hansen and Aaron Edwards are ready to go immediately and Warren and Goldstein likely to take some time.

 

MELBOURNE

JAMES FRAWLEY (12), North Ballarat Rebels, 18, 190 cm, (6'2"), 79 kg (174)

Nephew of former Saint captain and Richmond coach Danny Frawley. Athletic tall with pace and mobility who can play both ends of the ground as well as midfield. Described by Ballarat coach Gerald Fitzgerald as "a fair package. Represented Vic Country at 2006 nationals. Potential leader.

 

RICKY PETTERD (30),  Broadbeach (QLD), 18, 186 cm (6'), 76 kg (167)

Half back who can run the lines. Courageous, good ball user, and reads the play well. Dominated at half back in the U-18 tournament and won the Harrison Medal as the best Division Two player and received All-Australian honors. Another with strong leadership potential. Unable to test at draft camp due to Injury. 

 

COLIN GARLAND (46), Tassie Mariners, 18, 191 cm (6'2"), 85 kg (187)

Latecomer to footy. Played mainly at full forward but could develop into key position role.Is athletic and pacy.

 

ISACK WEETRA (62), Port Adelaide Magpies, 17, 184 cm (6'), 76 kg (167)

Originally from Whyalla (approx. 150 miles north of Adelaide), he moved to Adelaide to attend school and joined Port. A strong mark and runner who can play either end and attended the indigenous camp in South Africa.

 

PORT ADELAIDE
TRAVIS BOAK (5), Geelong Falcons, 18, 183 cm (6'), 77 kg (169) 

AIS-AFL academy graduate in 2005 despite battling a stress fracture in his back. Pacy winger/midfielder with good skills who averaged 25 possessions in a 10-game stretch. Posted 2.96 second 20-meter (approx 22 yards) sprint at draft camp.

 

PAUL STEWART (23), Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL), 19, 190 cm (6'2"), 82 kg (180) 

Good mover for his size, he began with Woodville's U-19s and worked his up to reserve level and then seniors. Can play on a wing or as a forward. Played in the senior side's preliminary final but dislocated his shoulder in the opening minutes of the SANFL grand final.

 

NATHAN KRAKOUER (39), Claremont, 18, 182 cm (5'9"),  61 kg (134) 

Speedy well-balanced midfielder/forward with excellent skills and smart around goals. Posted best time (2.83 seconds) over 20 meters (22 yards) at draft camp.

 

ROBERT GRAY (55),  Oakleigh Chargers, 18, 182 (5'9"),  82 kg (180) 

Runner-up in Oakleigh best and fairest. Smart around goals and a great mark. Described by Oakleigh coach Rohan Welsh as "a Gary Ablett Jr. clone" in looks, size, skill, and run. Excellent at ground level and rarely fumbles the ball .

 

JUSTIN WESTHOFF (71), Central Districts, 20, 199 cm ((6'5"), 84 kg (185) 

Lightly built key forward who played senior footy with Central all year. Marks well and a good mover for his size. Will need to bulk up a bit for AFL ranks. 

 

RYAN WILLIAMS (83), Geelong Falcons, 18, 188 cm (6' 1 /2"), 89 kg 196) 

Vic Country U-18 representative, sold footballer who played well all year with the Falcons.

 

DAVID RODAN (86), 23, 171 cm ((5'6"), 83 kg (182) 

Drafted by the Tigers in 2001 after successful junior career with the Calder Cannons, winning the Morrish Medal in 2000 and 2001 (TAC Cup equivalent of Brownlow) and burst out the blocks in 2002. Played all 22 games, mostly off the bench, in his debut season, winning three nominations for Goal of The Year and Rising Star nomination. Continued that strong form with a further 22 games in 2003 as a small midfielder and forward. Strong attack on the ball, a fierce tackler, and fine kick for goal saw him become somewhat of a cult figure among Tiger fans. Added 16 games in 2004, but wrecked his knee and season early in 2005. Set for a strong 2006, but did his knee again in the last practice game and managed just 5 games late in the year.

 

THE CLUB SAYS
‘‘(Travis) Boak is an outstanding talent who will be a good mix with our developing group, with Pearce, Thomson, Salopek, with Dom Cassisi, Shaun Burgoyne and Kane Cornes, who is only mid-20s. Rodan is ready to go and we needed to strike a balance between the needs of the present and the future.’’

 

Mick Moylan, National Recruiting Manager

 

Analysis:

After turning 10 players over last year, Port went to the well in seven rounds; a clear sign that the club’s eyes are on a revival in 2008-09. Boak, like Salopek in 2002, had strong family reasons to want to stay in Victoria but coach Mark Williams has never been deterred by such risks. 

 

RICHMOND

JACK RIEWOLDT (13), Tassie Mariners, 18, 192 cm (6'), 85 kg (187)
Goal-kicking cousin of St. Kilda superstar Nick, runs and marks well and played eight senior games in 2006. In one game he took 13 marks and kicked four goals.

 

SHANE EDWARDS (26), North Adelaide, 18, 180 cm (5'9"), 69 kg (151)

Midfielder/forward who played 10 senior games and was one of the best in North Adelaide's preliminary final. Represented SA at U-18s. Excellent endurance, reads the play well, but may need time in the gym.
 

DANIEL CONNORS (58), Bendigo Pioneers, 18, 183 cm (6'), 79 kg (174)

Played in defense, midfield, and on a wing for Bendigo and had impressive U-18 tournament. Named in TAC Cup Team of The Year.

 

CARL PETERSON (60), Claremont, 19, 188 cm (6'1 1/2"), 70 kg ((154)

Broke into senior side late in the season and played in Claremont's finals campaign as a midfielder/forward. Good skills, attacks the ball well, and has great vertical leap and can pinch-hit in the ruck.

ANDREW COLLINS (73), Bendigo Pioneers, 18, 184 cm (6'), 71 kg ((156)
Lightly framed midfielder who can go forward.

 

84 - Pass 

 

ST KILDA

DAVID ARMITAGE (9), Morningside (QLD), 18, 183 cm, ((6'), 80 kg (176)

Courageous ballwinner who can play midfield or defense.

Topped the draft camp agility test. Represented QLD at U-18s and was named All-Australian, AIS-AFL Academy graduate in 2005.
 

BRAD HOWARD (27), Redlands (QLD), 18, 181 cm (5'9"),, 72 kg (158)

Tested very well at state screening for speed and endurance. 
 

JARRYD ALLEN (59), Calder Cannons (TAC), 18, 193 cm (6'3"), 88 kg (193)

Versatile player who can play forward, defense, and in the ruck. A nice mark and was runner-up in Calder's best and fairest. Kicked 46 goals for the season. 2006 Vic Metro U-18s representative and All-Australian. 

 

MATTHEW FERGUSON (74), St. Kilda, 22, 187 cm 6'1"), 87 kg (191)
Strong marking forward drafted by Saints in 2002 after impressive U-18s performance and All-Australian honors. Debuted in 2003 for just one game. Late season hamstring injury ended his year prematurely. Played five games as a defender in 2004 when Saints were hit hard by injury. Struggled for opportunities in 2005 and played just two games late in the season, and managed only five games in 2006 as a quadricep injury forced him out for a large chunk of the season. Delisted at the end of 2006, but now has another chance. 

 

85 - Pass; 87 - Pass; 89 - Pass 
 

SYDNEY
DANIEL O'KEEFE (15), Geelong Falcons, 18, 184 cm (6'), 74 kg (163) 

Evasive ballwinner who kicks the ball well and has leadership potential. A strong mark with and has good endurance. Captained the Falcons and represented Vic Country in 2006.

 

DANIEL CURRIE (49), Northern Knights, 17, 200 cm (6'5"), 91 kg (200)

Ruckman/defender who covers the ground well for his size, athletic and can take a contested mark. Played for Vic Metro in U-18s.

 

PETER FAULKS (65), Calder Cannons, 18, 192 cm (6'), 74 kg ((163)

Athletic defender who reads the play well and is quick for his size.Topped the vertical leap testing at state screening - 74 cm (29")
 

JESSE WHITE (79), Southport) 18, 196 cm (6'4"), 101 kg (222)

Agile former state basketballer who can play forward, defense, and ruck. Represented QLD at junior level in 2005-06.


THE CLUB SAYS: "We've got some older tall players, so we were trying to get some young talls into the club. You're looking for the best players initially and as they get ticked off you're starting to talk position versus players. We're pleased with what we got."

 

Coach Paul Roos

 

Analysis: 

O'Keefe was a surprise to many being taken as early as he was, particularly when the Swans' next pick was not until 49. That said, he is a safe pick as a hard running midfielder. Having topped up on talls with Jason Ball, Paul Chambers, and Peter Everitt, the Swans have raided this draft's abundance of tall players chasing rucks and key-position players they can nurture for a change. 

 

WEST COAST 

MITCHELL BROWN (16), North Ballarat, 17, 193 cm (6'3"), 90 kg (204) 

Twin brother of Magpie draftee Nathan who can play both ends of the ground, take a contested mark, and is very mobile for his size. Another former basketballer.

ERIC MCKENZIE (29), Claremont, 18, 195 cm (6'), 91 kg (200)

Another mobile tall who played mainly in defense but was tossed into the middle late in the year at Claremont. Good endurance, quick, and represented WA at U-18s.


TIM HOULIHAN (43), North Ballarat Rebels, 17, 189 cm (6'2"), 74 kg ((162)

Running defender who tested well at draft camp. Has background in athletics. Played for Vic Country at U-18s. 2005 AISAFL Academy graduate.
 

WILL SCHOFIELD (50), Geelong Falcons, 17, 195 cm (6'), 82 kg (180)

A still-growing athletics runner who did well at draft camp and represented Vic Country at under-16 level.

 

JAMES THOMSON (80), Claremont, 18, 194 cm (6'), 81 kg (178)

Skilled defender with amazing aerobic capacity. According to Claremont football manager Steve Calder, he needs work on "...his football smarts, reading the play, etc..." Missed the Under-18 nationals due to injury. 

 

THE CLUB SAYS: "We're always pleased because we think we've got a group of good talented players. It panned out nicely for us considering where we were in the draft. This draft was always touted as a pretty even group with some good talent, so that's why we were keen to have an extra pick and certainly target some of the taller kids because it was probably a draft where there were more of them."  

 

Trevor Woodhouse, Recruiting Manager

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS
ANDREJS EVERITT (11), Dandenong, 17, 193 cm (6'3"), 77 kg (169)
Quick, highly skilled, agile, defender who will need to bulk up a bit for AFL level. Brother of Peter `Spida' Everitt.

 

BRENNAN STACK (45), Perth, 18, 184 cm, (6') 76 kg (167)

Quick moving half back who can also play forward. Managed some senior games for Perth in 2006. 

 

JOSHUA HILL (61), Claremont, 17, 186 cm (6'), 72 kg (158)
Lightly framed forward.

 

MALCOLM LYNCH (66), NSW-ACT Rams, 18, 178 cm (5'8"), 65 kg (143)
Speedy and agile midfielder who tested well at state screening. 

 

PAUL O'SHEA (76), Redlands/Toowoomba (QLD), 17, 192 cm (6'2"), 82 kg (180)
Youngest player picked, he is an athletic key defender. 

 

Source: Melbourne Age; afl.com; Herald Sun; Inside Football; AFL Record Season Guides 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006: author notes

 


Article last changed on Friday, December 22, 2006 - 5:57 PM EST


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