AFL Draft 2015: Melbourne set to pick midfielder Darcy Parish ahead of Essendon
MELBOURNE is set to spoil Essendon’s national draft party by taking the best midfielder for the second year in a row. HOW THE TOP 10 COULD LOOK
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MELBOURNE is set to spoil Essendon’s national draft party by taking the best midfielder for the second year in a row.
The Demons and Bombers are both believed to be keen on the most polished onball talent available and have zeroed in on Geelong Falcon Darcy Parish.
But Melbourne sacrificed its first selection next year in a complicated trade with Gold Coast to rise from pick No. 6 to No. 3.
That has ensured the Demons can scupper Essendon, which holds picks four and five.
Tough midfielder Parish has been likened to Adelaide jet Rory Sloane and averaged 129 SuperCoach points per game for the Falcons.
The dual All-Australian is the standout midfielder outside of the three NSW academy stars.
If Parish is gone the Bombers’ pair is expected to come from clever half-forward Wayne Milera, prototype Charlie Curnow, powerful utility Aaron Francis and key forward Sam Weideman.
They all shape as gold selections.
Milera had minor heart surgery before a brilliant three-goal senior SANFL final in September while some believe Curnow could wind up the draft’s best player.
The brother of Carlton’s Ed Curnow is a 191cm marking forward who can play in the midfield and will also be discussed at No.3.
The Demons, also armed with pick No. 7, are fans of the injury-plagued Weideman and can see him forming a lethal partnership with Rising Star Jesse Hogan.
The imposing goalkicker is the grandson of Collingwood legend Murray Weideman.
Demons football boss Josh Mahoney said the club would take the best player available at both early picks.
Marking forward Harry McKay is unlikely to get past Carlton (No. 8) and Adelaide (9).
McKay — whose identical twin Ben should be taken in the top 25 — stands 200cm but doesn’t turn 18 until Christmas Eve.
Melbourne’s pick No. 3 could be bumped to No. 6 on draft night should the Dees bid on academy trio Callum Mills (Sydney), Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy (GWS).
They bid pick No. 2 on Swan Isaac Heeney last year before jagging Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw.
Recruiters believe Carlton and Brisbane Lions are set on key defender Jacob Weitering and full-forward Josh Schache respectively as the first two selections in this month’s draft..
Most clubs — including the Suns and Carlton — like Clayton Oliver and are suddenly considering the quick and powerful midfielder in the top 10.
Oliver was overlooked for Vic Country but the stoppage beast stormed home and will command first-round selection.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes first-round talents should be able to play immediately.
This will be Melbourne’s final raid on the hottest draft talent. Next year the Dees’ list strategy will turn to the trade and free agency markets.
In 2013 they added Christian Salem (No. 9) and Dom Tyson (No. 3 in 2011) while the year before they got father-son Jack Viney cheaply.
The Dees wanted to send Jeremy Howe to Gold Coast so they could trade up from No. 6 to No. 3.
When Howe chose Collingwood, the Demons traded away next year’s top pick as part of a deal to secure No. 3 from the Suns.
MELBOURNE’S MIDFIELD HITS (AND MISS)
2015: Darcy Parish (possible Pick No. 3)
2014: Christian Petracca (Pick No. 2) and Angus Brayshaw (3)
2013: Christian Salem (9) and Dom Tyson (No. 3 pick at GWS in 2011)
2012: Jimmy Toumpas (4, traded to Port Adelaide) and Jack Viney (father-son)
SAM LANDSBERGER’S EARLY TOP 10
1. Jacob Weitering (Carlton) 195cm key defender
2. Josh Schache (Brisbane Lions) 199cm key forward
3. Callum Mills (Sydney) 188cm midfielder*
4. Jacob Hopper (GWS Giants) 186cm midfielder*
5. Darcy Parish (Melbourne) 181cm midfielder
6. Matthew Kennedy (GWS Giants) 187cm midfielder*
7. Wayne Milera (Essendon) 185cm half-forward
8. Charlie Curnow (Essendon) 191cm midfield/forward
9. Eric Hipwood (Brisbane Lions) 202cm swingman*
10. Clayton Oliver (Gold Coast) 187cm midfielder
*Academy selection
Originally published as AFL Draft 2015: Melbourne set to pick midfielder Darcy Parish ahead of Essendon
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