Recruiter Gary Buckenara analyses every club’s 2018 draft haul
Did your club nail its draft picks or did they miss the mark? AFL draft guru and recruiter Gary Buckenara analyses every club’s draft haul and delivers his verdict as he looks to who can make an immediate impact next year.
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The draft is always positive for clubs — every player who is given the opportunity to join an AFL club has talent and has been drafted for a reason.
I’ve never seen or heard a club walk away from the draft disappointed with the players they selected. It’s what the players and the club do with their talent that matters now. Will they grab the opportunity and develop into the best player they can be or won’t they?
SCROLL DOWN TO READ DRAFT GURU GARY BUCKENARA’S IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF EVERY CLUB’S PERFORMANCE AT THE DRAFT
This draft is a strong one and I believe when we look back on this draft in four to five years we’ll see players who were selected from pick No.30 onwards that have developed into beauties.
Here’s my review of every club’s picks in this year’s draft.
ADELAIDE
DRAFT PICKS
9. Chayce Jones: Midfielder, 180cm, 77kg, Launceston
16. Edward McHenry: Midfielder, 178cm, 70kg, Geelong Falcons
30. Will Hamill: Defender, 185cm, 72kg, Dandenong Stingrays
64. Lachlan Scholl, Midfielder, 186cm, 74kg, Calder Cannons
ROOKIES
7. Kieran Strachan: Ruckman/forward, 202cm, 95kg, Port Melbourne
24. Paul Hunter: Re-listed
39. Jordon Butts: Defender/forward, 195cm, 80kg, Murray Bushrangers
Buckenara says: The Crows went small and addressed the need for some speed through all parts of the ground. I was surprised Chayce Jones was selected at No.9 — I had him ranked at No.22 — but Adelaide’s recruiters obviously like what they see. He’ll add versatility in the future once he puts on more size, so he’ll take a little bit of time but he’s a natural footballer. I like the selection of Ned McHenry even though again, they picked him a bit earlier than where I had him ranked. He’s that small forward they really need after the departure of Charlie Cameron and he’ll learn from one of the best in Eddie Betts. Will Hamill will also bring more speed through the midfield and halfback. He’s a real competitor and as a recruiter, that’s a trait you really value highly so it’s great to see the Crows choose a player who’s got that streak in him. Adelaide also rookie-listed Kieran Strachan, a ruckman from Port Melbourne in the VFL to add depth behind Sam Jacobs. At 23 he’s ready to play if required.
Buckenara’s verdict: It was an important night for Adelaide with three picks inside the top 30. They’ve added versatile players in Jones, McHenry and Hamill in particular who add some much-needed leg-speed. But the big win could come from that trade with Carlton, where they swapped pick No.19 (Liam Stocker) and next year’s first-round pick for the Blues’ first-round pick next year. That could be huge.
BRISBANE LIONS
DRAFT PICKS
21. Ely Smith: Midfielder, 188cm, 87kg, Murray Bushrangers
36. Thomas Berry: Defender, 185cm, 76kg, GWV Rebels
40. Tom Joyce: Midfielder 181cm, 80kg, East Fremantle
42. Connor McFadyen: Midfielder, 189cm, 93kg, Brisbane Lions Academy
55. Noah Answerth: Defender, 184cm, 80kg, Oakleigh Chargers
ROOKIES
4. Ryan Bastinac: Re-listed
21. Jacob Allison: Re-listed
Buckenara says: Interesting picks from the Lions. I had Ely Smith in my top 50 (at No.31) but Brisbane took him earlier than expected — he was probably a bit of a bolter because he had a strong end to the season and tested well at the draft combine. He’s got good speed and is a real competitor, so will add some grunt to the midfield. I really like the selection of Tom Berry, who’ll join his brother Jarrod at the club. It looks like the Lions are trying to get a group together that are either close friends or brothers who’ve got talent to help with retention and to limit the go-home factor given they also tried to get Charlie Cameron’s brother Jarrod but unfortunately West Coast matched the bid for the next generation academy player. One of the biggest wins was that their own academy player, Connor McFadyen slipped to No.42. There’s no doubt the Lions would have been ecstatic he slipped down that far. He’s the modern-day midfield prototype at 190cm and 81kg.
Buckenara’s verdict: Brisbane would be happy with their picks after addressing a list need in bringing some pace into the club. McFadyen at No.42 is a great result.
CARLTON
DRAFT PICKS
1. Sam Walsh: Midfielder, 184cm, 77kg, Geelong Falcons
19. Liam Stocker: Midfielder, 183cm, 85kg, Sandringham Dragons
66. Finbar O’Dwyer: Forward, 188cm, 74kg, Murray Bushrangers
70. Ben Silvagni: Defender/forward: 196cm, 86kg, Oakleigh Chargers (F/S)
ROOKIES
1. Hugh Goddard: Defender, 196cm, 95kg, St Kilda
19. Tomas Bugg: Forward/midfielder, 184cm, 84kg, Melbourne
Buckenara says: Carlton nailed their first two picks with Sam Walsh (pick No.1) and Liam Stocker (19). Even though I still rate Jack Lukosius as the best player in the draft, the Blues really couldn’t go wrong with Walsh given they have such a big need for class through the midfield. He’s a ripper, Walsh. He’s dedicated, has leadership potential, adds grunt and is just an all-round good footballer. I really like the way Stocker goes about his footy — he’s a good ball-winner who’s hard at it and looks like a complete footballer to me. Both Walsh and Stocker should play a lot of AFL footy next year, they’re ready to go. It’s great to see another Silvagni in navy blue, too. Ben is a potential key defender or forward who’ll take time to develop but Carlton will be patient with him and give him every opportunity to develop and make an AFL career for himself. Carlton also added good depth in the rookie draft with Hugh Goddard (ex-St Kilda), which is a good pick, and Tom Bugg (ex-Melbourne).
Buckenara’s verdict: Great draft for Carlton but there’s a question mark. The trade with Adelaide, where they sent their first pick next year to the Crows for pick No.19 (Stocker) plus their first pick next year is a big risk. Clearly the Blues wanted Stocker and thought he was a bargain at pick No.19 so did the deal but whether that was a good move or not, depending on where they finish next year, remains to be seen. They’ve backed themselves to win more games next year.
COLLINGWOOD
DRAFT PICKS
13. Isaac Quaynor: Defender, 180cm, 83kg, Oakleigh Chargers
29. Will Kelly: Defender, 196cm, 87kg, Oakleigh Chargers (F/S)
77. Atu Bosenavulagi: Midfielder, 180cm, 81kg, Oakleigh Chargers
ROOKIES
17. Tim Broomhead: Re-listed
33. Sam Murray: Re-listed
Buckenara says: The Pies weren’t huge players but got academy gun Isaac Quaynor and father-son Will Kelly, which caps a terrific off-season for the club. Quaynor can play both tall and small and offers really good rebound off halfback with his pace and ability to take the game on. I know he’s been compared to Bulldog Jason Johannisen but I view him as a similar type to Hawthorn’s Ben Stratton because he can play both tall and small, locks down on his opponent and reads the play really well. He’ll add versatility to the back six in the future because he can be a bit of a Mr. Fix It. Bringing in Kelly as a key defender addresses a big list need and provides supporters with more father-son romance. I like Kelly as a player but he’ll need time to develop, while Quaynor could play some AFL footy next year. Academy player Atu Bosenavulagi was a late pick who’s got a lot of speed and is really hard at the footy.
Buckenara’s verdict: Outstanding off-season for Collingwood. They brought in a star in Dayne Beams in the trade period and drafted two top-30 prospects in Quaynor and Kelly despite trading away their first pick (plus a swap of other picks) for Beams. Huge win. Well done to the club’s recruiting and list management team.
ESSENDON
DRAFT PICKS
38. Irving Mosquito: Forward, 176cm, 72kg, Gippsland Power
60. Noah Gown: Forward, 194cm, 91kg, Gippsland Power
72. Brayden Ham: Utility, 185cm, 65kg, Geelong Falcons
ROOKIES
8. Tom Jok: Defender/midfielder: 193cm, 80kg, Collingwood VFL
25. Matt Dea: Re-listed
Buckenara says: Essendon didn’t have a big hand but made an impact by stealing Irving Mosquito from Hawthorn, who had first rights to him via their next generation academy. Mosquito is an electric player with AFL traits and in time could form a seriously dangerous and dynamic partnership with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in the forward half, while he can also play midfield. That could be a cult duo. He’ll need time to develop but he’ll add so much excitement — he was probably the most exciting player in the draft. Noah Gown at pick 60 is interesting given he’s a key forward and the Bombers have a glut of bigger forwards on the list already. He’s got a pretty strong body and can take a mark but is also very competitive and has a good defensive mindset, too. He’ll be behind the likes of Daniher, Stringer, Brown and Stewart. Brayden Ham at pick No.72 brings more speed onto the list.
Buckenara’s verdict: After bringing in star midfielder Dylan Shiel during the trade period, the Bombers had limited picks and all three players will need time to develop.
FREMANTLE
DRAFT PICKS
17. Sam Sturt: Forward, 189cm, 74kg, Dandenong Stingrays
32. Luke Valente: Midfielder, 187cm, 82kg, Norwood
57. Lachlan Schultz: Midfielder, 180cm, 80kg, Williamstown
59. Brett Bewley: Midfielder, 186cm, 85kg, Williamstown
ROOKIES
5. Ethan Hughes: Re-listed
22. Tobe Watson: Defender, 189cm, 82kg, Swan Districts
37. Ryan Nyhuis: Re-listed
Buckenara says: Sturt is a very good pick-up. Fremantle transformed its forward line by securing Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb during the trade period and Sturt will develop into a nice third tall who can push up the ground because of his all-round athleticism and pace. Valente at pick No.32 is a bit of a steal. He was one of the sliders — I had him ranked at 21 — so to get him there is a fantastic result. He’s got genuine leadership potential and can play both inside and outside and has good kicking skills. Fremantle has a history of plucking good role players out of the VFL and they’ve done it again with Lachlan Schultz and Brett Bewley from Williamstown who’ll come in and add instant depth. I’m sure Ross Lyon has a role in mind for both of them.
Buckenara’s verdict: I like what Fremantle has done. They were one of the better performers of the trade period and have backed that up by drafting both for the future and for need/depth. Don’t be surprised to see Fremantle rise up the ladder quickly next year.
GEELONG
DRAFT PICKS
15. Jordan Clark: Defender, 185cm, 81kg, Claremont
48. Ben Jarvis: Forward, 189cm, 82kg, Norwood
50. Jacob Kennerley: Midfielder, 186cm, 77kg, Norwood
66. Darcy Fort: Ruckman, 205cm, 99kg, Central Districts
68. Jake Tarca: Forward, 176cm, 72kg, South Adelaide
ROOKIES
11. Tom Atkins: Midfielder, 180cm, 85kg, Geelong VFL
Buckenara says: Jordan Clark is going to be a very good player for the Cats. While he’s not super quick, he’s a smart footballer who makes good decisions, involves himself in the game and works really hard. He’s also got a lot of upside given he’s only just chosen footy over cricket, so development in his body, fitness and game sense will get even better. Both Clark and Jacob Kennerley, who needs to put on some size, will be nice developing players for halfback/midfield roles in the future. Ben Jarvis is a smart pick given the Cats really need forwards to both help Tom Hawkins and develop under him. Jarvis is more a third-tall type but he presents well, can take a nice mark and is pretty quick. I love the romance of father-son recruits, so I’m happy to see Oscar Brownless drafted by the Cats. It’s a great story.
Buckenara’s verdict: Geelong has addressed areas on their list that needed attention with speed and depth across halfback following the recent retirements of the likes of Mackie, Enright and Kelly. The ruck division is a problem area, so Darcy Fort will come in and could get an opportunity at some stage to prove himself.
GOLD COAST SUNS
DRAFT PICKS
2. Jack Lukosius: Forward, 195cm, 83kg, Woodville-West Torrens
3. Izak Rankins: Midfielder, 179cm, 79kg, West Adelaide
6. Ben King: Defender, 202cm, 87kg, Sandringham Dragons
23. Jez McLennan: Defender, 185cm, 81kg, Central District
71. Caleb Graham: Defender, 195cm, 92kg, Gold Coast Academy
ROOKIES
2. Michael Rischitelli: Re-listed
20. Jack Leslie: Re-listed
36. Brad Scheer: Re-listed
47: Harrison Wigg: Re-listed
Buckenara says: Gold Coast obviously had a very good hand and I think they’ve nailed their selections. I rated Jack Lukosius as the best player in the draft, so the Suns would be ecstatic to get him with pick No.2. He’s the instant replacement for Tom Lynch and should play every game next year barring injury. He’s got so much talent — I’m really excited to see what he can produce in the AFL. Ben King was the best key defender in the draft but he can also go forward and kick a goal, which provides Stuart Dew with handy versatility, and Izak Rankine is just an excitement machine. He’s got serious star factor. I also like the selection of Jez McLennan at pick No.23 — he reads the ball really well and can play as an intercept defender, the type of player the Suns lack. Lukosius, Rankine and King should play every AFL game next year barring injury because playing NEAFL will be a waste of time given their talent. They won’t develop there. NEAFL level is nowhere near VFL, SANFL or WAFL. McLennan has a strong body already, so should also get games.
Buckenara’s verdict: The Suns were obviously one of the big winners but what happens from here? We say Gold Coast is the winner every year but then in 2-3 years players leave the club and they have to start again. In theory, Lukosius and King are their star forward and defender (if they play King back) for the next 10 years and Rankine the superstar midfielder but will they be Suns for life?
GWS GIANTS
DRAFT PICKS
11. Jye Caldwell: Midfielder, 184cm, 82kg, Bendigo Pioneers
14. Jackson Hately: Midfielder, 189cm, 80kg, Central District
22. Xavier O’Hallordan: Midfielder, 186cm, 84kg, Western Jets
24. Ian Hill: Forward, 175cm, 65kg, Perth
34. Kieren Briggs: Ruckman, 200cm, 103kg, Pennant Hills/GWS Academy
61. Connor Idun: Defender, 191cm, 91kg, Geelong Falcons
ROOKIES
Nil
Buckenara says: The Giants have added some good players in Jye Caldwell, Jackson Hately, Xavier O’Halloran and Ian Hill. They actually were the beneficiaries after a couple of players slid down the order given Hately was expected to be a top-10 pick and Hill a first-round selection. Hill in particular really fits their list needs as he’s a dynamic small forward with pace, has x-factor and will love feeding off Cameron and Patton. He’ll add another dimension to the side and could be a steal if he gets his body right. Caldwell, Hately and O’Halloran are midfielders who use the ball well and make good decisions. GWS has lost a number of onballers over the last few years, so these guys will be the next wave of potential stars to link up with the likes of Coniglio, Kelly, Hopper and Whitfield. Academy player Kieren Briggs is a developing ruckman and there was no way the Giants weren’t going to match a bid given they’re desperate for ruck depth — but I’ve still got concerns over their ruck department.
Buckenara’s verdict: GWS had a good hand in the draft and they couldn’t have asked for much more given Hately and Hill slid out to their selections. Fantastic result. Their picks just make sense given what they’ve lost recently.
HAWTHORN
DRAFT PICKS
52. Jacob Koschitzke: Defender, 196cm, 93kg, Albury/Murray Bushrangers
63. Mathew Walker: Midfielder, 188cm, 84kg, GWS Academy
ROOKIES
14. Damon Greaves: Defender, 186cm, 75kg, East Perth
30. Will Golds: Midfielder, 183cm, 72kg, Oakleigh Chargers
43. Tim Mohr: Defender, 196cm, 103kg, GWS Giants
49. Will Langford: Re-listed
Buckenara says: The Hawks would be very disappointed to miss out on next generation academy player Irving Mosquito — clearly the club was hoping a bid for Mosquito would come much later. I’m sure the thinking behind it was had they matched it, they would have missed out on one of their big targets. That target was Jacob Koschitzke who comes in and fills the need for a developing key defender. Still, I’m shocked they didn’t match the Bombers’ bid for Mosquito. The Hawks pinched an academy player of their own from GWS in Mathew Walker at pick No.63. He’s a big-bodied player who can play both forward and through the midfield and has a nice leap on him. The selection of ex-Giant Tim Mohr in the rookie draft is a smart one as he helps provide more depth in key position stocks and could be a handy pick-up as he can slot in straight away.
Buckenara’s verdict: Were never going to be big players but did provide one of the big shocks by allowing Essendon to secure one of the most exciting players in the draft in Mosquito.
MELBOURNE
DRAFT PICKS
27. Tom Sparrow: Forward, 183cm, 83kg, South Adelaide
33. James Jordan: Midfielder, 186cm, 81kg, Oakleigh Chargers
53. Aaron Nietschke: Midfielder, 184cm, 78kg, Central District
56. Marty Hore: Defender, 190cm, 92kg, Collingwood VFL
75. Toby Bedford: Forward, 178cm, 69kg, Dandenong Stingrays
ROOKIES
15. Kade Chandler: Forward, 173cm, 73kg, Norwood
Buckenara says: Melbourne has gone for pace, which was smart recruiting given I believe that’s one area lacking in the list but I didn’t have Tom Sparrow (pick No.27) or James Jordan (33) in my top 50. Sparrow has good pace and is a genuine competitor who could potentially play next year as he’s got a strong body already, while Jordan is a bolter after having a really good finish to the year. I like the selection of Marty Hore out of Collingwood’s VFL program. He’s been one of the most consistent players in the VFL over the last couple of seasons and really deserves his opportunity, he’s worked very hard. Academy player Toby Bedford is a steal at pick No.75. I had him ranked at No.33 in my top 50, so I’m stunned no bid came for him and the Demons were able to grab him with their last pick. He’s an electrifying forward who makes things happen and fills the need at the Demons for a developing dynamic small forward.
Buckenara’s verdict: Pulled out a couple of surprises with their first two picks but got a potential steal in Bedford at No.75.
NORTH MELBOURNE
DRAFT PICKS
8. Tarryn Thomas: Midfielder, 188cm, 82kg, North Launceston
46. Curtis Taylor: Midfielder/forward, 187cm, 78kg, Calder Cannons
49. Bailey Scott: Midfielder, 186cm, 73kg, midfielder, Gold Coast Academy (F/S)
69. Joel Crocker: Forward, 188cm, 77kg, Sandringham Dragons (F/S)
ROOKIES
10. Tom McKenzie: Midfielder, 184cm, 80kg, Northern Knights
27. Kyron Hayden: Re-listed
41. Thomas Wilkinson: Forward, 181cm, 82kg, Southport
Buckenara says: I thought North Melbourne would have had to pay a bit more for academy gun Tarryn Thomas, so to get him at pick No.8 was a great result. He’s a very exciting prospect who adds class, speed, skills and is just a very smart footballer. He’s exactly the type of player this club has been crying out for. He makes things happen. Curtis Taylor was one of the big sliders and I’ve got no doubt the Kangaroos couldn’t wait to read his name out at pick No.46. I had him ranked at No.18, that’s how highly I think of him. He’s got a touch of class about him and can be that forward/midfield prototype that’s really in vogue at the moment. He can influence games without getting a lot of the ball. Father-son Bailey Scott was another slider at pick No.49 (I ranked him at No.42), which was a surprise and a real bonus. He’s a bit of a project player but has elite endurance and nice skills.
Buckenara’s verdict: There’s no doubt the Kangaroos were one of the big winners. They had a good trade period by bringing in Polec, Pittard, Hall and Tyson and have walked away from the draft with some seriously good players despite not having high picks.
PORT ADELAIDE
DRAFT PICKS
5. Connor Rozee: Midfielder, 185cm, 74kg, North Adelaide
12. Zak Butters: Midfielder, 181cm, 71kg, Western Jets
18. Xavier Duursma: Defender, 186cm, 73kg, Gippsland Power
73. Riley Grundy: Defender, 194cm, 84kg, Sturt
76. Boyd Woodcock: Forward, 175cm, 71kg, North Adelaide
ROOKIES
9. Tobin Cox: Midfielder, 177cm, 77kg, Glenelg
26. Cameron Hewett: Re-listed
Buckenara says: This was an important draft for Port Adelaide given it had three picks inside the top 20 following the departures of guns Jared Polec (North Melbourne) and Chad Wingard (Hawthorn), so making the most of their selections was crucial. They’ve brought in pace, class and skill with Connor Rozee (pick No.5), Zak Butters (12) and Xavier Duursma (18) and then drafted for needs with later picks. I actually think their late picks — Riley Grundy (73) and Boyd Woodcock (76) — are smart selections as Grundy is a developing key defender and Woodcock is a quick small forward, which is a positional need given the departure of Wingard and delisting of Jake Neade. Rozee, Butters and Duursma are going to be vital players heading into the future as the Power look to find that run and carry game style that took it to a preliminary final in 2014. They’ve lost that dynamic aspect to their game a bit, so those three are really good, smart picks by the recruiters. Duursma in particular will add versatility given he can play in all areas of the ground.
Buckenara’s verdict: The Power drafted for needs and did a really good job doing it. It’s up to the development staff now to give these talented youngsters, in particular Rozee, Butters and Duursma, the tools and knowledge they need to become good AFL players. And it’s obviously up to the players themselves to grab this opportunity with both hands.
RICHMOND
DRAFT PICKS
20. Riley Collier-Dawkins: Midfielder, 190cm, 91kg, Oakleigh Chargers
43. Jack Ross: Midfielder, 186cm, 85kg, Oakleigh Chargers
58. Fraser Turner: Midfielder, 186cm, 77kg, Clarence
62. Luke English: Midfielder, 183cm, 80kg, Perth
ROOKIES
16. Jake Aarts: Forward, 180cm, 76kg, Richmond VFL
32. Jacob Townsend: Re-listed
45. Mabior Chol: Re-listed
Buckenara says: The Tigers weren’t big players but have got a really nice player in Riley Collier-Dawkins at pick No.20. He slipped slightly down the draft order but should be a really good pick-up and can definitely play some senior footy next year. He’s the modern-day midfield prototype as he’s both tall and has some size about him at 190cm and 91kg, and can go forward to be a dangerous target and kick goals. Jack Ross is a midfielder who had a fairly consistent season with Oakleigh and excels at stoppages, while Fraser Turner and Luke English are outside players with elite endurance who win plenty of the ball. Those three are development players, so Richmond fans might have to wait a little while to see what they can produce at AFL level.
Buckenara’s verdict: Richmond has drafted a bit of this and a bit of that, which reflects the balanced nature of the club’s list at the moment. It was a surprise to not see them draft a ruckman out of one of the state leagues to add depth behind Toby Nankervis.
ST KILDA
DRAFT PICKS
4. Max King: Forward, 204cm, 90kg, Sandringham Dragons
41. Jack Bytel: Midfielder, 188cm, 78kg, Calder Cannons
47. Matthew Parker: Forward, 187cm, 80kg, South Fremantle
53. Nick Hind: Defender, 180cm, 70kg, Essendon VFL
67. Robert Young: Forward/midfielder, 179cm, 75kg, North Adelaide
ROOKIES
3. Callum Wilkie: Defender, 191cm, 87kg, North Adelaide
Buckenara says: There was a lot of talk around who the Saints would take with pick No.4 and in the end it was key forward Max King. While King is supremely talented, I was surprised St Kilda didn’t go for one of the gun midfielders given the desperate need to find an A-grader and add class and pace through that area. They’ve taken a risk with King given his ACL tear and the fact key position players do take more time to get over such serious injuries but there’s no doubting his quality. He’s agile, has a nice kick on him and is a good mark. Matthew Parker is a clever player who’s got a lot of talent and x-factor but he’s a risk. He’s turned his life around and dedicated himself to his footy after drawing inspiration from Geelong’s Tim Kelly but St Kilda will need to invest in him both on and off the field to make sure he’s applying himself and working hard. The 22-year-old will be a player to watch next year as he can have an immediate impact at AFL level next season and bring some excitement to the Saints’ forward line. Jack Bytel is a good pick-up at No.41 and could have gone much earlier had he not suffered an injury this year, so they might have got a bargain there. Nick Hind will bring much-needed outside pace and good disposal and can play straight away after impressing against bigger bodies while playing for Essendon’s VFL team.
Buckenara’s verdict: I’ve always said it’s hard to go past talented key forwards when they’re available, especially when they’re very athletic but if I was at St Kilda I probably would have taken a midfielder at pick No.4 simply because of their urgent need for class in that area. I think the Saints believe Dan Hannebery is the answer to that, hence the King selection. It will be interesting to see how they structure up next year and in the future with McCartin, Bruce, Membrey, Battle, Marshall and now King as tall options.
SYDNEY SWANS
DRAFT PICKS
10. Nick Blakey: Forward/midfielder, 195cm, 85kg, Sydney Swans Academy
25. James Rowbottom: Midfielder, 185cm, 78kg, Dandenong Stringrays
44. Justin McInerney: Midfielder, 187cm, 75kg, Northern Knights
51. Zac Foot: Defender, 181cm, 73kg, Dandenong Stingrays
ROOKIES
12. Durak Tucker: Defender, 189cm, 84kg, Peel Thunder
28. Harry Reynolds: Defender, 190cm, 74kg, Sandringham Dragons
42. Kurt Tippett: Re-listed
Buckenara says: The Swans would have been smiling from ear to ear as pick after pick was taken and still no bid for Nick Blakey. How he lasted until pick No.10 has me stunned — I rate him as the third-best player in this draft such is his huge talent and upside. He’ll definitely play senior footy next year and could play Round 1 because he’s much more advanced than his fellow draftees because of his involvement in the Swans academy. As we’ve seen with Heeney and Mills, their system really fast-tracks development. Sydney has always been a club that is ahead of the game and they showed they’re still one of the best in business through their trading with West Coast that allowed them to use later picks to secure Blakey and then swoop back into the second round. That pick, James Rowbottom at pick No.25 was a surprise, however. I didn’t rate him in my top 50 but he’s a midfielder who excels at stoppages and tackles hard — both traits the Swans love. Justin McInerney and Zac Foot add more speed onto the list, which is a critical need.
Buckenara’s verdict: Sydney would be ecstatic at paying only pick No.10 for Blakey — I’m really shocked clubs didn’t make them honest and place an earlier bid given the club had declared their commitment to Blakey before the draft. They were always going to take him. I would have bid at either pick Nos.2, 3 or 4.
WEST COAST
DRAFT PICKS
28. Xavier O’Neill: Midfielder, 185cm, 80kg, Oakleigh Chargers
31. Luke Foley: Midfielder, 188cm, 74kg, Subiaco
35. Bailey Williams: Ruck/forward, 199cm, 95kg, Dandenong Stingrays
39. Jarrod Cameron: Forward, 182cm, 70kg, West Coast Academy
ROOKIES
18. Harry Edwards: Forward/defender, 195cm, 80kg, Swan Districts
34. Josh Smith: Defender, 180cm, 80kg, Collingwood
Buckenara says: West Coast’s first selection was a shock as I didn’t have Xavier O’Neill in my top 50. He tested well at the combine with his kicking ability, which I’m sure caught the eye of the West Coast recruiters given they play a high-possession game so his foot skills will slot right in. Luke Foley is a nice pick at No.31 because I think he could be one of the gems of this draft. He’s a really smart footballer who possesses AFL traits clubs are looking for. West Coast added more forward/ruck depth with Bailey Williams at pick No.35, which is a great selection. He was rated as a potential top-20 pick earlier in the year but slid down the order as the year went on. I still think he’s going to be a nice player. Jarrod Cameron, brother of Brisbane star Charlie Cameron, has genuine x-factor and plays exactly like Charlie. He’s got good football nous and an uncanny goal sense.
Buckenara’s verdict: Good selections from the Eagles but what I’m most excited about is seeing a forward line boasting Liam Ryan, Willie Rioli and Jarrod Cameron. That will be something to see.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
DRAFT PICKS
7. Bailey Smith: Midfielder, 185cm, 82kg, Sandringham Dragons
26. Rhylee West: Midfielder, 181cm, 82kg, Calder Cannons (F/S)
37. Laitham Vandermeer: Defender, 179cm, 73kg, Murray Bushrangers
45. Ben Cavarra: Forward/midfielder, 173cm, 73kg, Williamstown
78. Will Hayes: Midfielder, 181cm, 78kg, Footscray VFL
ROOKIES
6. Lachie Young: Defender, 190cm, 82kg, Dandenong Stingrays
23. Jordon Sweet: Ruckman, 202cm, 107kg, North Adelaide
Buckenara says: Bailey Smith is going to be a really good player, he’s going to be a ripper. He’s an elite decision-marker, has a great running capacity that allows him to push hard forward and back and is a very smart footballer. He’s going to fit in really well and should slot seamlessly into Luke Beveridge’s game style. I couldn’t be happier to see Rhylee West join fellow father-sons Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis (as well as Zaine Cordy) and I’m looking forward to seeing the three of them playing together at AFL level. I actually think they got him for unders — I thought a bid would come anywhere from pick No.15 onwards, so the fact he slipped to 26 was a win. Laitham Vandermeer at pick No.37 just seems like a good fit. He’s got line-breaking speed as a halfback/midfielder and has a good leap — both traits the Dogs love. Ben Cavarra could be a Matt Priddis type story. He deserves his opportunity because he’s worked so hard and has never given up on his dream of playing AFL footy despite being overlooked so many times. He’s such a dedicated kid who can come in next year and have a real impact as a replacement for Luke Dahlhaus in that small forward/midfielder role because he can win plenty of the ball, be a playmaker and hit the scoreboard. Really nice pick by the Dogs. Will Hayes has been drafted out of their VFL program and will add depth to the midfield group.
Buckenara’s verdict: Good draft for the Dogs as they’ve addressed needs and brought in some depth. Smith, West, Cavarra and Hayes can all play some senior footy next year, while Vandermeer is more of a developing type.
Originally published as Recruiter Gary Buckenara analyses every club’s 2018 draft haul
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