- Messages
- 2,323
Who are the likely candidates?
ADELAIDE: Chris Knights looms large as the early favourite, showing good poise and skill throughout the NAB Cup. The competition generally favours midfield types, so he stands a very good chance. Darren Pfeiffer already carries senior SANFL experience into his debut year and could slot neatly into the Crow structure if required. Strong ruck prospects Ivan Maric and John Meesen could also impress.
BRISBANE: I thought Mitchell Clarke would be a gun before the draft and given enough opportunity in the top side, will surely catch the eye.
CARLTON: Expect Marc Murphy to figure prominently. He wasn't top pick for nothing and will get plenty of gametime for the embattled Blues.
COLLINGWOOD: Dale Thomas has taken plenty of flack, but he can play the boy, don't you worry about that. As with Murphy, should get plenty of time in the top side, and has the attitude and skill to wow. Danny Stanley appears to be a hard at it Jordan Lewis type, and may sneak into calculations.
ESSENDON: I suspect Pat Ryder will be a bit too raw to win it, but he is a fascinating youngster who could do just about anything. Much will depend on how he is used and how often.
FREMANTLE: Marcus Drum has already been daftly written-off as a key defensive proposition simply because he is only 190cm tall. Other players have performed well at the same height or smaller, and have done so because they are predominatly good footballers. Drum will be excellent for Freo in whatever role they give him.
GEELONG: Travis Varcoe is precisely the speedy and skilled outside midfielder that the Cats so desperately need, but he may need a season or two to develop.
HAWTHORN: The Hawks have several overhang outside chances, the best of which would appear to be Clinton Young. Don't be surprised if Matthew Little impresses if given a chance across half forward, and Thomas Murphy could surprise out of defence. Grant Birchall was on the brink of senior selection across the NAB Cup and already has plenty of admirers.
KANGAROOS: Jesse W Smith, for mine, was an absolute certainty to place prior to his injury and will probably still get enough games to do so. The injury may prevent him from getting enough games to win though.
MELBOURNE: How can you go past Nathan Jones? A quality youngster who mixes pace with a hard-at-it style and has no problems finding the pill. Should work his way into the Demons side at an early stage and will do well.
PORT ADELAIDE: No real standouts.
RICHMOND: Have two prospects. Danny Meyer hasn't wowed as of yet, but he does have the skills and could make a fist of things of a wing. Young Matthew White did some nice things in the NAB Cup game against Hawthorn and looks to be a quiet achiever in the mould of Clinton Young. Tiger fans would argue a case for Adam Pattison, but his cause will only be helped by the coaching staff giving him more running time in the ruck or out of defence(where he appears better suited). Wallace has talked about persisting with him forward, but he will most likely struggle in that capacity.
STKILDA: No real standouts.
SYDNEY: No real standouts.
WEST COAST: For mine, have two gilt-edged prospects in Shannon Hurn and Ben McKinley. The latter should get a top side gig up forward from an early stage and has the capacity to pull down strong marks and kick a few goals. Hurn is a mature type with talent and will perform solidly if given the chance.
BULLDOGS: I think Shaun Higgins will develop into a strong player, but as a young inside-type in this Hound outfit, is unlikely to get enough opportunity this season.
If pushed on an eventual finishing order:
1) Chris Knights
2) Dale Thomas
3) Jesse W Smith
with Young & Clarke the darkhorses.
ADELAIDE: Chris Knights looms large as the early favourite, showing good poise and skill throughout the NAB Cup. The competition generally favours midfield types, so he stands a very good chance. Darren Pfeiffer already carries senior SANFL experience into his debut year and could slot neatly into the Crow structure if required. Strong ruck prospects Ivan Maric and John Meesen could also impress.
BRISBANE: I thought Mitchell Clarke would be a gun before the draft and given enough opportunity in the top side, will surely catch the eye.
CARLTON: Expect Marc Murphy to figure prominently. He wasn't top pick for nothing and will get plenty of gametime for the embattled Blues.
COLLINGWOOD: Dale Thomas has taken plenty of flack, but he can play the boy, don't you worry about that. As with Murphy, should get plenty of time in the top side, and has the attitude and skill to wow. Danny Stanley appears to be a hard at it Jordan Lewis type, and may sneak into calculations.
ESSENDON: I suspect Pat Ryder will be a bit too raw to win it, but he is a fascinating youngster who could do just about anything. Much will depend on how he is used and how often.
FREMANTLE: Marcus Drum has already been daftly written-off as a key defensive proposition simply because he is only 190cm tall. Other players have performed well at the same height or smaller, and have done so because they are predominatly good footballers. Drum will be excellent for Freo in whatever role they give him.
GEELONG: Travis Varcoe is precisely the speedy and skilled outside midfielder that the Cats so desperately need, but he may need a season or two to develop.
HAWTHORN: The Hawks have several overhang outside chances, the best of which would appear to be Clinton Young. Don't be surprised if Matthew Little impresses if given a chance across half forward, and Thomas Murphy could surprise out of defence. Grant Birchall was on the brink of senior selection across the NAB Cup and already has plenty of admirers.
KANGAROOS: Jesse W Smith, for mine, was an absolute certainty to place prior to his injury and will probably still get enough games to do so. The injury may prevent him from getting enough games to win though.
MELBOURNE: How can you go past Nathan Jones? A quality youngster who mixes pace with a hard-at-it style and has no problems finding the pill. Should work his way into the Demons side at an early stage and will do well.
PORT ADELAIDE: No real standouts.
RICHMOND: Have two prospects. Danny Meyer hasn't wowed as of yet, but he does have the skills and could make a fist of things of a wing. Young Matthew White did some nice things in the NAB Cup game against Hawthorn and looks to be a quiet achiever in the mould of Clinton Young. Tiger fans would argue a case for Adam Pattison, but his cause will only be helped by the coaching staff giving him more running time in the ruck or out of defence(where he appears better suited). Wallace has talked about persisting with him forward, but he will most likely struggle in that capacity.
STKILDA: No real standouts.
SYDNEY: No real standouts.
WEST COAST: For mine, have two gilt-edged prospects in Shannon Hurn and Ben McKinley. The latter should get a top side gig up forward from an early stage and has the capacity to pull down strong marks and kick a few goals. Hurn is a mature type with talent and will perform solidly if given the chance.
BULLDOGS: I think Shaun Higgins will develop into a strong player, but as a young inside-type in this Hound outfit, is unlikely to get enough opportunity this season.
If pushed on an eventual finishing order:
1) Chris Knights
2) Dale Thomas
3) Jesse W Smith
with Young & Clarke the darkhorses.
