2017 trading, drafting, list management

[bloodspirit]

Cal Twomey has posted his latest draft form guide: Cal Twomey's Phantom form guide: November edition - AFL.com.au.

He seems to think there is a chance that Jaidyn Stephenson or Aaron Naughton could get through to us and a real possibility of Brander still being on the table (although he doesn't seem to think that we would select Brander). He also thinks that Bonar or Murphy may appeal to us and be our selection (presumably especially if some of the higher rated options don't slip through to us).

[Markwebbos]

Cal Twomey has posted his latest draft form guide: Cal Twomey's Phantom form guide: November edition - AFL.com.au.

He seems to think there is a chance that Jaidyn Stephenson or Aaron Naughton could get through to us and a real possibility of Brander still being on the table (although he doesn't seem to think that we would select Brander). He also thinks that Bonar or Murphy may appeal to us and be our selection (presumably especially if some of the higher rated options don't slip through to us).

Stephenson would be great but can?t see him making it to 14. Not convinced about Bonar who could well be available.

[bloodspirit]

Here's a draft preview for the Swans specifically: AFL Draft Preview: Sydney Swans - Footy Prophet.

The more I think about it the less clue I have and I feel I just have to place my faith in our recruiters and just look forward with interest to see who we pick/get.

[Ludwig]

The Swans featured 4 players on their website today: Noah Balta, Aaron Naughton, Oscar Allen and Ed Richards, the first 3 being KPPs. I don't know if it means anything though. I like them all and wouldn't mind taking one from that list. We haven't spoken much about Allen, who is a slightly undersized key forward who was voted the best U18 player (Larke Medal). He's a real solid footballer who I think will make a good AFL player. He has scope to play in the midfield. I wouldn't be surprised if WCE took him at pick 13.

On Cal Twomey's power rankings Ed Richards moved up to #14, while Balta has dropped out of his top 30, which I find a bit strange.

It's a shame Emma Quayle has gone to the Giants. She was the best talent scout. I will miss her player rankings.

[liz]

I am struggling to think who are the 10 "general" forwards and 3 "key" forwards that they reckon we have on the list. They also have us down for 4 ruckmen, indicating that none of Tippett, Sinclair or Cameron is included in those 13 forwards.

Buddy and Reid are clearly two key forwards. Do they have Pink as the other? Maybe.

Then as general forwards we have Papley, Rohan, Hayward and Rose. They've probably included Florent in this category, and maybe Towers and Dawson too. Robinson? Jack? (given he did spend a bit of time forward last year.) Heeney? Ronke?

I guess I've come up with the requisite number of names, but many of those players aren't ones I think are really forwards. Not in terms of where they do and will provide most value to the team.

[Ludwig]

The traditional categories for player positions are becoming anachronistic and no longer reflect the way the game is currently played. There are some new categories popping up like 'outside runner' which is traditionally what was called a wingman, but with a wider scope for what function the player performs. What is a Dustin Martin or a Dangerfield? Inside mid/key forward? Forwards and backs are often swap-able. Nick Smith is a lock down small defender, but I'm sure he would have been a very good midfielder if he wasn't so good at being a small defender.

The focus should shift more to the kinds of talents a player brings to the game, rather than the position they play or have played as a junior. The position a player had as a junior may not be the best position for that player in the AFL.

[bloodspirit]

I also have more faith in Emma Quayle's (and others') rankings than Cal Twomey's. However Twomey has a good record with his phantom draft, especially top 10.

Maybe Balta or some other bargain will slip to us at 33 - like Hayward did - that'd be sweet!

I think Pink is clearly the third key forward. I agree 10 "general forwards" is weird. Harry C is another contender and, at least until this year, Hewett might have been listed forward too.

[Markwebbos]

So (1) what do the Swans need and (2) who are they going to pick at 14 and 33?

[Dosser]

So (1) what do the Swans need and (2) who are they going to pick at 14 and 33?

You have 242 pages to read...

[bloodspirit]

Afl.com.au have belatedly gotten their 'Draft Machine' up and running: Draft Machine - AFL.com.au. It's excellent in that it gives you vision of most draft prospects. Unsurprisingly most of the nominees look pretty good based on their highlights. A pity they didn't post it sooner but at least it's before the draft!

[707]

You have 242 pages to read...

That won't shed any light on the two questions!

[ugg]

HS article stating Longmire in Melbourne tomorrow to visit Lachlan Fogarty and Jack Higgins

[Markwebbos]

This appears to be the most unpredictable draft in ages. Outside of the top 5 feels like anyone could go anywhere. SEN Brett Anderson's 2017 AFL Mock Draft have us taking O?Brien and Houlahan, which would be almost a carbon copy of last year.
Maybe Beatson was being honest when he said we?d pick best available talent.

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HS article stating Longmire in Melbourne tomorrow to visit Lachlan Fogarty and Jack Higgins

Lots of Phantom drafts show Fogarty being taken at 15 by the Lions to pair up with Rayner at 1. Higgins seems like he?d be a pretty solid pick... if he made it to 14.

[Markwebbos]

Tadgh Kennelly on Fox saying the Swans ?aren?t going to change a whole lot? in terms of gameplan next year. Hmmm

[Ludwig]

Lachlan Fogarty seems to have moved up the rankings lately and Higgins may slip to 14 as others move higher up the order. Ed Richards is also being talked about as a possible top 10 pick, which would make him a big late season bolter. I would't mind any of those 3. They are quite similar in many ways, particularly Fogarty and Higgins. All 3 have the kind of game that should be successful at AFL level. Brander and Balta looked to have slipped down the rankings.

I think when we took Hayward and Florent it was an indication of the type of skillset we were looking for. Fogarty and Higgins would be similar in that regard. Richmond showed that small quick players willing to pressure across the ground can win you a premiership. I think Longmire likes that kind of game plan, but we haven't had the quickness and skills to quite pull it off. You can be a hard contested footy team will speed and skills as well. They don't have to be mutually exclusive.