Robbie Ando?s 2004 Phantom Draft Version 1.0

[robbieando]

Now I know I'm no expert and I expect none of my selections after the first two to be right, but I have done this the past two drafts and yet again I have done one for this season. I have done the entire draft again, with profiles for the first two rounds (and every Swans pick), plus given detail, like state from, height, weight and position played. Anyway I hope some of you find some use out of this. At the very least it will again provide some debate.

I'll update this with any changes the Friday before the draft as well.

Enjoy

[robbieando]

PRIORITY ROUND

1. Richmond - Brett Deledio (Murray Bushrangers)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 188cm W: 81kg
Profile: Deledio is the brilliant midfielder of this year?s draft, just shading Tambling and Griffen for that honour. The Tigers are looking for a superstar in the making and with Deledio they are certain to at least get a solid player for the future who is close to being the complete package. A good mark, fast, a booming kick on either foot and creative at stoppages, many believe he?ll in the future be able to have the ability to turn a game in the style of Chris Judd who is a hero of Deledio?s. Will be more than capable of holding down an on-ball midfield position and certainly won?t mind getting stuck into packs. Will get the nod over Tambling because he is closer to being AFL-ready.
2. Hawthorn - Richard Tambling (Southern Districts)
State: NT. Position: Midfielder/Half Forward Flank. H: 181cm W: 74kg
Profile: Hawthorn would dearly rather have Deledio, but I?m sure they won?t be too upset at getting Tambling. An extremely exciting midfielder, he has the pace to burn most AFL players and is capable of producing the extraordinary at every turn. He has brilliant skills, can run all day, is damaging at stoppages and his eye for goal sees him kick some really unbelievable goals. A good leap and agile, he works hard on his defensive side of the game and that is shown by his good tackling. He might not debut for a while because of the lack of bulk on him, but when he does, Hawthorn will have a really good midfielder on their hands and will work well with Hodge, Mitchell and Crawford.
3. Western Bulldogs - Jarryd Roughead (Gippsland Power)
State: VIC. Position: Centre Half Forward/Back. H: 193cm W: 85kg
Profile: The Bulldogs pull off the first major surprise of the draft by taking Roughead at number 3. Its well documented that the Bulldogs need key position players and with Roughead and Franklin the best two available and unlikely to fall to the Bulldogs second pick at 6, the Dogs will strike early to get Roughead, who has the flexibility to play either Centre Half Forward or Centre Half Back. He is a good mark for his size, with most of them one-grab marks, has a massive leap, reads play well, has the mobility for Centre Half Forward and covers a lot of the ground during the game. This gives the Bulldogs more options than Franklin, who many see as a debatable selection.

ROUND ONE

4. Richmond - Ryan Griffen (South Adelaide)
State: SA. Position: Midfielder. H: 187cm W: 85kg
Profile: The Tiger have said they will take the best two players available with their first two picks and while they have a need for a key position player, they will be happy than happy to select Griffen who will add to an already impressive midfield on paper. Early on he?ll be used either on the half back flank or an option up forward, but in time he?ll become a solid part of the midfield. Good foot skills and rarely makes a mistake by foot, well balanced when he has the football and has some good pace. Good overhead and a smart footballer for his age.
5. Hawthorn - Lance Franklin (Perth)
State: WA. Position: Centre Half-Forward. H: 193cm W: 88kg
Profile: The Hawks wanted a key position forward with one of their first round picks and with Franklin they get a pretty good one at that. Many people see Franklin as a great player in the making, but at the same time aren?t fully sold on him. While he has the body to play Centre Half Forward, he has the mindset of a flanker. This however shouldn?t be a problem as with time Franklin will get use to the position and hopefully will give the Hawks the goal kicking option up forward they want. In his favour is that he has tasted senior football in the WAFL and that can only help make his development even quicker. Is athletic, mobile, has the pace to burn defenders, a strong mark and is a long kick capable of kicking his fair share of goals from outside 50.
6. Western Bulldogs - Angus Monfries (Sturt)
State: SA. Position: Midfielder. H: 180cm W: 70kg
Profile: After surprising many and by-passing Griffen, the Bulldogs will look to draft a midfielder, now that their need for a key position player has been met. Monfries is one of the better midfielders outside the Top 3 and the Bulldogs will be more than happy to add him in time to a midfielder that has Adam Cooney and Scott West. A compact midfielder, he is a very efficient user of the footy and is able to win the ball constantly in packs. He will be a possession winner and will rarely make mistakes with the possession. He has clean hands, tackles well, has pace and is very capable on both sides of his body.
7. Hawthorn - John Meesen (Geelong Falcons)
State: VIC. Position: Ruckman. H: 200cm W: 88kg
Profile: With their third pick of the draft the Hawks look to add to their ruck stocks to give Peter Everitt more support. Meesen is a bit of a bolter in the ruck stocks over the highly rated Wood and Deluca, but from all reports has been the better performed of the trio. His tapwork is good, can take the strong mark and second efforts around the ground are excellent. He?ll need work on his kicking, but as a proven performer in the TAC Cup he?ll only get better and will give the Hawks not only a good back-up to Everitt, but his long term replacement as well.
8. Adelaide - Cameron Wood (West Adelaide)
State: SA. Position: Ruckman. H: 203cm W: 86kg
Profile: With the Crows looking for a replacement to the aging Matthew Clarke they will look to select local boy Wood. Wood is a genuine tap ruckman who has already played seniors in the SANFL showing some real talent for the ruck position. Has a good leap, and his tapwork is excellent for his age. This means he rarely loses a ruck contest. Has learnt the game playing under former Crows premiership ruckman Shaun Rehn. The only problem the Crows will have with Wood is his body size - at 84kg, it will be a few years before Wood reaches his best, but he should be able to play senior football within a year or two.
9. Carlton - Fabian Deluca (Eastern Rangers)
State: VIC. Position: Ruckman. H: 201cm W: 96kg
Profile: In need of a ruckman who is more than workman-like, the Blue use their first selection in the draft to select the brother of Adrian. Fabian is a great mark, very athletic and his tap work is very good. Question mark over his lack of possessions at TAC Cup level, but that should improve with time. Will risk injury to win the ball. Has the tools to become a solid ruckman in the AFL but that won?t be for a year or two. But once he gets going he?ll provide the Blues with a ruckman that suit?s the team set up.
10. Collingwood - Ben Eckerman (Sturt)
State: SA. Position: Midfielder. H: 178cm W: 77kg
Profile: Collingwood are after midfielders and ones that are FAST and to that end Eckerman fit?s the bill perfectly. Eckerman won the MVP for the South Australian Under 18 team at the Nationals because of his constant ball winning. He has very good pace and can create a real impact with his speed and long kicking. Knows how to find the football and can use the ball to full effect. Has clean hands and good evasion. However will need to bulk up before playing at the senior level, but once he does watch out
11. Port Adelaide - Danny Meyer (Glenelg)
State: SA. Position: Midfielder/Forward. H: 183cm W: 70kg
Profile: Port keep bleeding midfielders and because of this they have this selection. I think Port will want to use this select on a local midfielder before using their next pick on a key position player. With Meyer Port get a classy wingman who can at a pinch play forward but with his size that doesn?t seem likely. He?ll stay in the SANFL to get use to senior football. Has clean hands, is fast and on the run is a fantastic shot for goal. His set shot kicking is also solid. Can use either foot and break a game open with his burst of speed. Will take time, but he won?t leave the Power to go home and that?s a bonus.
12. Richmond - Matthew Bate (Eastern Rangers)
State: VIC. Position: Centre Half Back/ Full Forward. H: 190cm W: 85kg
Profile: Richmond after passing on Franklin in favour of Griffen will be looking for a tall key position player with their third pick. With Richardson and Schulz up forward the Tigers will look towards a defender and while Bate made his name up forward, he is more than capable of playing at Centre Half Back. He was excellent early on in the season in defence, before moving up forward late in the season. He is a long and accurate kick, good with his hands and very good at mopping up in defence. Because he was given an exemption into the draft, he is a few seasons off senior football but with game time in the VFL, he?ll turn into a very good player for Richmond.
13. Melbourne - Ryan Willits (Northern Knights)
State: VIC. Position: Full Forward/Centre Half Back. H: 196cm W: 96kg
Profile: Needing more depth in the key positions the Demons will select Willits who is more than capable of playing at either end of the ground . Powerfully built, he is seen as a long term replacement for David Neitz. Very strong and capable of taking fantastic pack marks, he?ll rip many a defence to shreds. Despite his size he has surprising pace and is quite disciplined. Should be ready to go in a short time, making him a great option for the Demons.
14. Essendon - Jordan Lewis (Geelong Falcons)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 186cm W: 87kg
Profile: Essendon always on the lookout for midfielders select Lewis with their first pick because mainly he averaged over 30 possessions in the TAC Cup and many believe that he is more than ready to step into senior football right away, something the Bombers will love. Is a very good disposal by foot and is more than willing to get in and under. Strong mark meaning he could start off up forward before getting a more full time role in the midfielder. Question over his pace, but with the ability to find the ball and use it, the Bombers won?t pass up on him.
15. Melbourne - Ryan Jackson (Northern Knights)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder/Forward. H: 186cm W: 75kg
Profile: With the loss of Scott Thompson the Demons will look to add to the depth of their midfield by selecting Jackson with their second pick. Jackson is a classy onballer who can use the football well, while looking good in possession. Has the endurance and pace to play on a wing. If midfield spot are hard to get he can go down forward and kick a few goals thanks to his height and solid marking. Will be seen as a bolter but with few midfield options available the Demons will select Jackson.
16. Richmond - Ruory Kirkby (Bendigo Pioneers)
State: VIC. Position: Centre Half Forward/Centre Half Back. H: 192cm W: 81kg
Profile: Again looking to add to their key position depth the Tigers select Kirkby who was one of the surprise packets of 2004. He is a very slight for a key position player, but has done well at centre-half back and centre-half forward. Ruory has great foot skills for a big man, is a good mark and a good set shot at goal. Will need to bulk up before playing senior football but he?ll add to Richmond?s already improving key position stocks.
17. St Kilda - Ivan Maric (Calder Cannons)
State: VIC. Position: Ruckman. H: 197cm W: 95kg
Profile: In need of ruckman the Saints select the best available at 17, even though to some it might be a bit of a reach. Maric has only been playing football for a few years, after playing basketball in his youth. He has plenty of scope for improvement and to the Saints they might be willing to wait for him to turn into a senior level ruckman. Agile for his size, with a good leap, tapwork solid and able to run all day. Can go up forward and kick goals when needed. While though need to improving his skills and decision making.
18. Brisbane Lions - Tom Williams (Morningside)
State: QLD. Position: Full Forward/Centre Half Forward. H: 195cm W: 86kg
Profile: Brisbane will be over the moon to see that Williams will have fallen to their first selection. A local boy who has only been playing AFL for a year, he project to be a Full Forward filling the gap left behind by Lynch in time. Agile for his size and a good kick for someone who hadn?t even kicked a ball 12 months ago. Fast for his size and a good mark. Many see him as a Top 10 pick however I believe he will drop down the order because of his lack of experience playing Aussie Rules and Brisbane will be more than happy with that.
19. Port Adelaide - Heath Grundy (Norwood)
State: SA. Position: Centre Half Forward. H: 190cm W: 86kg
Profile: Another local, this time a key position player. Grundy is a solid key position player who can play down back at a pinch already having the senior experience for this with Norwood. A good one-grab mark and good on leads mean many will see him as a forward. This will be good for Port who are looking for some youth to push though in the key positions.

[robbieando]

ROUND TWO

20. Richmond - Ben Sharp (Oakleigh Chargers)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder/Half Back Flank. H: 187cm W: 78kg
Profile: Adding further depth to their midfield stocks the Tigers select Sharp who was a natural ball winner in the TAC Cup averaging close to 25 possession in his past two seasons. His disposal by hand is excellent, his kicking is improving all the time and is good on both sides of his body. Has caused problems for teams running off half back because he is so precise with his ball disposal. Fast and able to run all day, the Tigers have themselves a solid player for the future.
21. Hawthorn - Thomas Murphy (Sandringham Dragons)
State: VIC. Position: Centre Half Forward. H: 190cm W: 84kg
Profile: Looking for another key position player the Hawks select Murphy is a mobile key position player who can play either end of the ground. Has the agility to move well, is a sound kick , a very good mark, and able to use his body well in marking duels. While he is seen as a forward he could go into defence because he did well playing there for Victoria Metro, doing well on Roughead and Franklin, seen as the best two forwards available. Good pick for the Hawks
22. Western Bulldogs - Alan Toovey (Claremont)
State: WA. Position: Defender. H: 190cm W: 77kg
Profile: Many see him going late 1st round, but I don?t because of his size. Many see him as too small for Centre Half Back, so that would drop him down the order somewhat. But for the Bulldogs he provides another option down back and his size won?t be a problem for them considering Eade like Jason Saddington as a Centre Half Back when it was clear it was the position for him. With Toovey he is a composed defender who can read the play very well, is an excellent mark for his size and is a good decision-maker. Is fast and sticks to his man like glue. If the Bulldogs wait they might have on their hands a good Centre Half Back, if not a solid third tall down back.
23. Collingwood - Andrew McQualter (Gippsland Power)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 179cm W: 73kg
Profile: McQualter for Collingwood is another midfielder who it seems has got some pace about (that many didn?t know about until the Draft Camp) and when he did play in the TAC Cup he got a lot of the ball. He know what to do on the football field and is seen as somewhat of a leader. Is solid on both sides of the body, but needs to work on his defensive game as he can be exposed by his opponent. Hard at the ball which Collingwood like.
24. Adelaide - Benet Copping (Sturt)
State: SA. Position: Centre Half Back. H: 191cm W: 75kg
Profile: The Crows are looking for options down back and with Copping they have themselves a centre-half back who is a bit on the skinny side. Has shown he can play, but is still to dominate a game. He is a very good reader of the play and a good mark.
Needs to put on weight, but that should hold him back.
25. Carlton - Chris Egan (Murray Bushrangers)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder/Half Forward Flank. H: 187cm W: 78kg
Profile: Carlton since the draft penalties have always been looking for players with a bit of class about them. Hard to find late on, but with a second round pick for the first time in two drafts, they will see Egan as the sort of player they want to not only add class, but trouble teams. He is a flanker with silky skills, clean hands, the ability to do amazing things and a strong mark. He is seen as a midfielder because he moves well in packs, is very fast and can kick the ball. Consistency is a problem and that?s why he has dropped to 25, but Carlton will have no problems taking Egan.
26. Hawthorn - Dean Polo (Gippsland Power)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 187cm W: 78kg
Profile: Having added to their key position stocks the Hawks move onto their midfield and select Polo. Polo is an effective midfielder, who works hard and keeps finding the football in close. He is very good at winning the ball at stoppages and kicking it forward. Isn?t worried about putting his head over the ball and has plenty of improvement left in him. Could become a tagger, a job he has done well before, and has the endurance to do so.
27. Brisbane Lions - Adam Hartlett (West Adelaide)
State: SA. Position: Full Back/Full Forward. H: 194cm W: 83kg
Profile: Hartlett is an aggressive key position player who can play either end of the ground, he is seen as a long term replacement to Leppistch. He has reasonable pace enabling him to lead well or rebound out of defence. He knows how to use his body in a marking contest and is a good shot for goal. Kicked 16 goals in three SANFL Under 19 finals. The Lions will be more than happy to add him to their key position stocks which are looking good. I wouldn?t write the Lions off yet.
28. Adelaide - Thomas Redden (Glenelg)
State: SA. Position: Midfielder. H: 190cm W: 74kg
Profile: Needing to add youth to their midfield the Crows will look towards Thomas who is a tall midfielder and if he grew even a key position player. Despite his height he is quite fast, very skilful and very hard at the ball. Just what the Crows need. Under draft age, but got an exemption into the draft, thus meaning it will be a while until he plays. But for the Crows he?ll be worth the wait.
29. West Coast - Beau Wikes (Claremont)
State: WA. Position: Full Forward. H: 193cm W: 90kg
Profile: Its as clear as day that the Eagles don?t need anymore midfielders and with that the Eagle will continue to add to a young but very promising key position group by taking Wilkes with their first selection in the draft. Is a good mark, reads the ball well and can lead into space well thanks to his pace. Will take a few years, but for the Eagles that is perfect, because it will give them time to see whether or not some of their young talls develop or not.
30. Essendon - Ryan Bain (Oakleigh Chargers)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 184cm W: 81kg
Profile: Another midfielder, this time Bain who is a wingman who always looks balanced with the football and quick across the ground. Bain has clean hands and likes to carry the footy, causing real damage with his disposals. Is a good finisher in front of goals as well. Its well known Essendon need to add pace to the team and with their first two pick have added well to their midfield.
31. Sydney - Michael Newton (Murray Bushrangers)
State: VIC. Position: Full Back/Full Forward. H: 192cm W: 82kg
Profile: In need of some help in defence the Swans know that they need to select a tall defender with their first pick and do so by selecting Newton. Seen as bit of a reach by some, I don?t believe that to be the case. There seems to be few tall options left that won?t need much time in Canberra and Newton is one of them. Could be available at our second pick, but I doubt that to be the case. Anyway Newton is a very young key position player who has a huge leap on him and is capable of the spectacular mark. His reading of the play is a real asset in defence, can take good pack marks and positions himself well. Slight query over his pace and ability below knee level but he is more than handy down back and in time should be able to help (or replace) Schauble. A good first selection I think.
32. Geelong - Clinton Young (North Ballarat Rebels)
State: VIC. Position: Forward. H: 189cm W: 76kg
Profile: Having covered their needs up forward by getting Ottens and Ablett, the Cats are still looking for a third tall down forward and in Clinton the Cats will get their man. He is a reasonable mark, especially on a lead, and his set shot kicking is pretty good, while on the run can find the big sticks well. Fast and agile.
33. St Kilda - Chad Gibson (Norwood)
State: SA. Position: Ruck/Forward. H: 194cm W: 93kg
Profile: St Kilda need ruckman and while Gibson isn?t the normal height for a ruckman he looks to be a type of player St Kilda like in the position. A big-bodied tall who loves to crash and bash and impose himself on the contest. Despite his height he can play ruck and did so for SA at the Carnival, and did well. Takes a good mark, has the best leap of anyone in this draft group and hard at the ball.
34. Port Adelaide - Jordan Russell (West Adelaide)
State: SA. Position: Half Back Flank. H: 186cm W: 74kg.
Profile: Just adding to their depth the Power select Russell who is a medium sized defender who can also play on a wing. He is a good mark, has a lot of pace and can kick pretty well on either foot. Has senior experience in the SANFL and will be a good size once he puts on a few kilos.

[robbieando]

ROUND THREE

35. Richmond - Justin Sherman (Clarence)
State: TAS. Position: Midfielder. H: 183cm W: 85kg
36. West Coast - Mark LeCras (West Perth)
State: NT. Position: Midfielder/Half Forward Flank. H: 183cm W: 74kg
37. Western Bulldogs - Matt Little (Calder Cannons)
State: VIC. Position: Full Forward. H: 187cm W: 74kg
38. Collingwood - Travis Cloke (Eastern Rangers) Father/Son
State: VIC. Position: Full Forward/Ruck. H: 195cm W: 85kg
39. Carlton - Luke Blackwell (Swan Districts) Father/Son
State: WA. Position: Wing. H: 177cm W: 70kg
40. Kangaroos - Jesse W Smith (Calder Cannons) Father/Son
State: VIC. Position: Half Back Flank. H: 190cm W: 80kg
41. Melbourne - Nick Becker (Calder Cannons)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 186cm W: 78kg
42. West Coast - Mitchell Morton (Claremont) Father/Son
State: WA. Position: Midfielder. H: 184cm W: 73kg
43. Brisbane Lions - Scott McMahon (Woodville-West Torrens)
State: SA. Position: Half Back Flank/Midfielder. H: 184cm W: 83kg
44. Essendon - Justin Blumfield (Richmond)
State: ACT. Position: Midfielder. H: 188cm W: 86kg
45. Sydney - Earl Shaw (Campbelltown)
State: NSW. Position: Ruckman. H: 198cm W: 90kg
Profile: While the trading for Jolly might to some mean we don?t need another ruckman, I like to point out that you can never have enough ruckman, Jason Ball is close to retirement and our ruckmen have a history of injuries mean that taking local ruckman Shaw as a very wise move. Shaw is a developing ruckman who is very good at getting first hands on the ball in the ruck contest and palming it to advantage. He has a good leap, moves well , throws himself around and really works hard defensively. However the reason that meant he fell to 45 is his kicking, not a good point but one that he is working very hard at and is showing improvement. I?m very happy to take Shaw and in time he?ll become a good ruckman
46. Geelong - Nathan Ablett (Modewarre) Father/Son
State: VIC. Position: Centre Half Forward. H: 192cm W: 85kg
47. St Kilda - Matt Rosa (North Ballarat Rebels)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 189cm W: 74kg
48. Brisbane Lions - Pat Garner (Western Magpies)
State: QLD. Position: Centre Half Back. H: 193cm W: 77kg

ROUND FOUR

49. Richmond - Jessie Wells (Burnie Dockers)
State: TAS. Position: Ruckman. H: 196cm W: 84kg
50. Hawthorn - PASS
51. Western Bulldogs - PASS
52. Collingwood - Jayden Attard (Dandenong Stingrays)
State: VIC. Position: Back Pocket H: 187cm W: 81kg
53. West Coast - Nathan Van Berlo (West Perth)
State: WA. Position: Midfielder/Half Back Flank. H: 183cm W: 73kg
54. Kangaroos - Adam Pattison (Northern Knights)
State: VIC. Position: Centre Half Forward. H: 195cm W: 87kg
55. Fremantle - Andrew Swallow (East Fremantle)
State: WA. Position: Midfielder. H: 181cm W: 75kg
56. Essendon - PASS
57. Sydney - Lynden Dunn (Calder Cannons)
State: VIC. Position: Full Forward/Full Back. H: 192cm W: 90kg
Profile: Another tall for the Swans and that really no surprise as we need some 190cm+ players and this draft has given us that. We select Dunn who is a versatile key position player who was granted an exemption into the draft meaning he?ll take some time to develop. I see him as a Matt Davis type, a player we grab a year early to save paying a high premium in 05. Dunn moves well, has a good leap and can take some good contested grabs. He can be very dangerous up forward as he tends to find space well but is also fairly strong in a one-on-one contest. Will need to work on his set shot at goal and learn to control himself as he is prone to fire up.
58. Geelong - Matt Egan (Geelong VFL)
State: VIC. Position: Full Back. H: 194cm W: 98kg
59. St Kilda - Andrew Lee (Burnie Dockers)
State: TAS. Position: Centre Half Forward/Centre Half Back. H: 194cm W: 83kg

[robbieando]

ROUND FIVE

60. Richmond - Jarred Moore (Dandenong Stingrays)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 178cm W: 84kg
61. Collingwood - PASS
62. Fremantle - Simon Jones (Swan Districts)
State: WA. Position: Centre Half Forward. H: 190cm W: 79kg
63. Kangaroos - Rowan Nayna (Dandenong Stingrays)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder/Half Back Flank. H: 181cm W: 78kg
64. Fremantle - Paul Richardson (Swan Districts)
State: WA. Position: Midfielder/Back Pocket. H: 183cm W: 81kg
65. St Kilda - PASS

ROUND SIX

66. Richmond - PASS
67. Carlton - Mark McGough (Collingwood)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 188cm W: 88kg
68. Kangaroos - Lance Picioane (Hawthorn)
State: VIC. Position: Midfielder. H: 183cm W: 89kg
69. Fremantle - Ashley Thornton (Peel)
State: WA. Position: Forward. H: 188cm W: 72kg

ROUND SEVEN

70. Carlton - Mark Porter (Kangaroos)
State: VIC. Position: Ruckman. H: 199cm W: 103kg

ROUND EIGHT

71. Carlton - PASS

[caj23]

Great effort Robbie, although it wouldn't suprise to see Shaw drop to the rookie draft.

This would be ideal for us as we could draft Jarred Moore who i have heard good reports about and nominate Shaw as a pre-draft selection in the rookie draft

[DST]

How do you see the Ed Clarke situation Robby.

At underage level the boy is a star (many say he has towelled up Tambling a number of times when played on him). Has he got the improvement in him to play AFL ?

Do we hope he gets through the draft (increasingly likely) and rookie list him ?

DST

[sharpie]

I think our 3rd pick will be Josh Thewlis.

On another note, I didnt realise my brother was going to be drafted. I better warn him, it would be a bit of a shock if the phone rang in a few weeks time telling him to get his boots together and head south to Richmond. Sure goes against any supposed youth policy as well.

20. Richmond - Ben Sharp (Oakleigh Chargers)

[Charlie]

While I understand the 'you can never have enough' argument with regards to ruckmen... I'm inclined to disagree when that would make no fewer than SEVEN players who can play the role.

Count 'em - Ball, Doyle, Jolly (who are all expected to be in the 22 by many), Erickson and Shaw in development, and Goodes and LRT as pinch-hitters.

That's too many, and will only result in an inbalanced squad.

[Bleed Red Blood]

5 ruckman really. Ball two years left. if Erikson doesn't make it we are going to be a ruck short again.

[liz]

Originally posted by Charlie
While I understand the 'you can never have enough' argument with regards to ruckmen... I'm inclined to disagree when that would make no fewer than SEVEN players who can play the role.

Count 'em - Ball, Doyle, Jolly (who are all expected to be in the 22 by many), Erickson and Shaw in development, and Goodes and LRT as pinch-hitters.

That's too many, and will only result in an inbalanced squad.

Not to mention Saddo and Hall who are both capable of providing some relief to the rucks by contesting around the ground.

If Shaw falls through to the rookie draft I'd be surprised if the Swans didn't take him, but I suspect there are more pressing needs to be filled with the main three picks now that Jolly has been secured.

There's an article somewhere today (maybe AFL.com.au) that discusses proposed changes to the centre bounce set-up, designed at eliminating the clashing knee issue that has hurt Goodes, Charman, Gardiner et al. It suggests these could be introduced as soon as the start of next season. If this eventuates, we could see a return to Goodes as a front-line ruckman, which again chances the ruck riches available to Roos with the current squad.

[robbieando]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DST
How do you see the Ed Clarke situation Robby.

He'll either be a late round pick up at another club, or he'll end up on our rookie list. Many see his size and the fact he did so well at Under 18 level as a reason that he won't develop any further, thus clubs won't draft him. I think the Swans will be more than happy to let him go in the draft in the hope he'll be available come the rookie draft.

[robbieando]

Originally posted by sharpie
I think our 3rd pick will be Josh Thewlis.

Either that or he'll be on our rookie list.

I think the fact we re-drafted Monty last year isn't a sign we'll do the same this year. Thewlis will be at the Swans next year and more than likely on the rookie list.

[robbieando]

Originally posted by Charlie
While I understand the 'you can never have enough' argument with regards to ruckmen... I'm inclined to disagree when that would make no fewer than SEVEN players who can play the role.

Count 'em - Ball, Doyle, Jolly (who are all expected to be in the 22 by many), Erickson and Shaw in development, and Goodes and LRT as pinch-hitters.

That's too many, and will only result in an inbalanced squad.

For one year, Charlie. LRT is seen as a CHB or key defender, Goodes is unlikely to play ruck again, Doyle is still injury prone and we just don't know how Ericksen is going to turn out (and the same can be said for Jolly). In a years time when Ball retires and the development of Doyle, Jolly and Ericksen is better known, we'll be after another ruckman and again we'll have to pay over the odds in a trade or use an early draft pick on one who'll take a few years to get ready.

I rather pick one up this year, than next year.

Anyway Shaw could be become a key forward if needed

[Charlie]

Originally posted by robbieando
For one year, Charlie. LRT is seen as a CHB or key defender, Goodes is unlikely to play ruck again, Doyle is still injury prone and we just don't know how Ericksen is going to turn out (and the same can be said for Jolly). In a years time when Ball retires and the development of Doyle, Jolly and Ericksen is better known, we'll be after another ruckman and again we'll have to pay over the odds in a trade or use an early draft pick on one who'll take a few years to get ready.

I rather pick one up this year, than next year.

Anyway Shaw could be become a key forward if needed

I realise that it's going to be an issue in 2006, but that is why we recruited Erickson and Jolly. I'm also of the opinion that Goodes will most likely return to rucking around-the-ground next year, and LRT as well as Hall and Saddington who Liz mentioned are also pinch-hitters. If only one of LRT and Erickson makes the grade, that's still six tall to very tall players that we need to make room for. Add another and we simply become too top heavy.

I think that between Jolly, Erickson, Goodes and LRT we have enough insurance for the retirement of Ball. The three picks we have this year should be pointed towards a mature key defender (now that we've thrown one on the scrapheap), an AFL-ready midfielder (is Clarke in the Mitchell/Schammer mould?) and either a younger KPP or an AFL-experienced player who might not be a long-term option, but will provide depth in the medium-term.

The last two years has been about building for the two or three we are now entering. Time to roll the dice.