Recruiter Gary Buckenara rates every club’s 2017 AFL draft haul
CARLTON, Adelaide, Geelong and West Coast pulled off the bigger draft coups but there are question marks over Gold Coast’s decisions. Recruiter GARY BUCKENARA rates every club’s draft haul.
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AFL DRAFT guru Gary Buckenara gives his in-depth analysis of every club’s performance at the 2017 national draft.
Who did he rate as the big winners and which clubs missed the mark?
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BUCKY’S TOP 50: HOW HE RANKED THEM BEFORE THE DRAFT
ADELAIDE
WHO THEY PICKED
12. Darcy Fogarty: Forward, 192cm, 92kg, 18 years, Glenelg
40. Andrew McPherson: Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 78kg, 18 years, Woodville-West Torrens
CHEERS, DARCY: MATES TOAST NEW CROW
BUCKENARA SAYS: The Crows had just two selections, but they had a successful night and would be absolutely delighted at landing Fogarty at pick 12. He’s a South Australian and he’s going to be such a good tall utility type who can play forward and go through the midfield. He’s had some injury issues, but once he gets them right he’ll be one of the best players from this draft. At one stage I had him at No.1. The fact Adelaide has gone for two homegrown talents is interesting — the go-home factor might be becoming an issue for them. McPherson is a good pick too, he reads the play well and can play halfback or as an outside winger. I expect Fogarty to get some senior opportunities in 2018. The Crows also rolled the dice on father-son Jackson Edwards and it paid off. He should join the club in the rookie draft, which is great news. I like him as a player and I thought he’d be picked in the national draft for sure.
THE VERDICT: The Crows would walk away very happy to secure two local lads who are quality players for the future. Fogarty is a steal at pick 12.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES ADELAIDE’S LIST
BRISBANE LIONS
WHO THEY PICKED
1. Cameron Rayner: Half forward/midfielder, 187cm, 88kg, 18, Western Jets
15. Zac Bailey: Midfielder, 180cm, 81kg, 18 years, Northern Territory/Norwood
18. Brandon Starcevich: Forward, 187cm, 84kg, 18 years, East Perth
41. Toby Wooller: Key forward, 193cm, 90kg, 18 years Oakleigh Chargers
43. Connor Ballenden: Key forward/ruckman, 198cm, 96kg, 18 years, Brisbane Lions Academy
54. Jack Payne: Key defender, 197cm, 96kg, 18, Brisbane Lions Academy
HOLLYWOOD: WHO IS CAMERON RAYNER?
BUCKENARA SAYS: The Lions obviously had a good hand in this draft and they’ve used their selections well. Rayner is going to be a star, we know that. Bailey is a ball magnet who’ll add to the midfield depth but can also go forward and kick goals, players who are worth their weight in gold. In the end the Lions secured Academy prospect Ballenden cheaply at pick 43 — I had him rated higher than that. He’s got a lot of potential and is basically a straight-up replacement for Josh Schache. The selection of Starcevich at 18 was a surprise — I didn’t have him in my top 50, but he’s the nephew of Collingwood premiership player Craig Starcevich, who is involved at the Lions, so they would have a lot of inside knowledge on the young forward and tracked him closely. Wooller and Payne also bolster the key position stocks both forward and back. I like what the Lions have done in the past couple of drafts in bringing in a good mix of players to fill their needs. Rayner should play from Round 1.
THE VERDICT: It’s a great haul. I think they got the No.1 pick right with Rayner, he’s got the ability to be an A-grade star of the future. The Lions are well on their way to building a strong list, and adding these players to their trade period bounty of Luke Hodge and Charlie Cameron caps a great off-season for the club.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES BRISBANE’S LIST
CARLTON
WHO THEY PICKED
3. Paddy Dow: Midfielder, 184cm, 78kg, 18 years, Bendigo Pioneers
10. Lochie O’Brien: Midfielder, 184cm, 75kg, 18 years, Bendigo Pioneers
30. Tom De Koning: Key forward/ruckman, 200cm, 92kg, 18 years, Dandenong Stingrays
70. Angus Schumacher: Midfielder, 191cm, 79kg, 18 years, Bendigo Pioneers
78. Jarrod Garlett: Forward, 181cm, 68kg, 21 years, South Fremantle/Gold Coast Suns
PERFECT FIT: DOW TO SLOT IN WITH BLUES
SOS SPEAKS: BLUES ENTER NEW PHASE OF REBUILD
BUCKENARA SAYS: I really like Carlton’s first two picks — Dow and O’Brien are both really good players and will have a close bond from their time at the Pioneers. The one I want to talk about is Garlett. He played 17 games for Gold Coast after being taken at pick 15 back in 2014 and departed the club for family reasons two years later. If he can successfully adjust to a full-time AFL environment at the Blues he will be a walk-up start in the best 22 and has the scope to be in the top 10 players on Carlton’s list. It’s a risk but he’s got serious tricks, enormous talent and class as a forward/midfielder. This could be an absolute masterstroke. De Koning will take time but he could be that replacement for Matthew Kreuzer or Levi Casboult once he develops. He’s actually got a bit of x-factor about him because he’s so athletic for his size and has good skills. Dow and O’Brien should get senior opportunities next year, along with Garlett.
THE VERDICT: Carlton is again one of the big winners of the draft. If Garlett adjusts, the Blues will have picked up three first-round talents and future stars with just two top selections. In three years this could be this draft’s best haul.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES CARLTON’S LIST
COLLINGWOOD
WHO THEY PICKED
6. Jaidyn Stephenson: Half forward, 189cm, 76kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
39. Nathan Murphy: Defender/half forward, 188cm, 80kg, 17 years, Brighton Grammar/Sandringham Dragons
50. Tyler Brown (father-son): Midfielder, 187cm, 71kg, 17 years, Eastern Ranges
PIE PUNT: COLLINGWOOD PICKS JAIDYN STEPHENSON
BUCKENARA SAYS: The biggest need at Collingwood is for key position players. The club again hasn’t addressed this in the draft, but they have picked up some speed, x-factor and good ball users. Bringing in good users of the footy was a priority, so that part does get a tick. Stephenson looks to me like he’ll be a really good player. He needs to put on some size but he’s a will-o’-the-wisp type with great agility, can break the lines as a midfielder and kicks the ball pretty well despite having his own unique kicking style. His kicking is brilliant when on song. He will add class, there’s no doubt about it. Murphy is a late-starter after also playing cricket but really came on in the TAC Cup for Sandringham after mostly playing school footy. His kicking is excellent and he should start his career as a halfback or third tall defender. Great to see another Brown, this time Tyler (son of Gavin and brother of Callum) in the black and white. He will take a lot of time to develop, so Collingwood fans will need to be patient. Both Stephenson and Murphy could play next year.
THE VERDICT: The Magpies weren’t big players on the night but I think they’ve done OK. Key position players must be the priority in the preseason and/or rookie drafts. The Magpies could look at a recycled player to fill the immediate need.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES COLLINGWOOD’S LIST
ESSENDON
WHO THEY PICKED
49. Jordan Houlahan: Forward, 185cm, 78kg, 18 years, Sturt
66. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher: Ruckman, 195cm, 82kg, 19 years, Sturt
76. Matt Guelfi: Midfielder, 184cm, 79kg, 20 years, Claremont
BUCKENARA SAYS: After a huge trade period the Bombers weren’t ever going to be big players in the draft, and their three later selections reflected that. I had Houlahan ranked at No.31 in my top 50 so to get him at 49 is good value. He’s a nice kick for goal but the fact he’s had shoulder problems is a bit of a worry. He’ll need to put on some size. Great to see Guelfi get an opportunity after being overlooked last year. He’s got the body to play next year, bolster the midfield and fill a need in inside grunt players following the departures of Jobe Watson and Heath Hocking.
THE VERDICT: Houlahan presents good value at pick 49 but it’s a wait and see on Essendon. Zerk-Thatcher and Guelfi are speculative selections.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES ESSENDON’S LIST
FREMANTLE
WHO THEY PICKED
2. Andrew Brayshaw: Midfielder, 183cm, 80kg, 18 years, Sandringham Dragons
5. Adam Cerra: Midfielder, 186cm, 85kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
44. Hugh Dixon: Key forward, 195cm, 90kg, 18 years, Tigers Football Club
59. Mitchell Crowden: Midfielder, 175cm, 88kg, 18 years, Sturt
65. Tom North: Midfielder, 184cm, 84kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
69. Lloyd Meek: Ruckman, 202cm, 106kg, 19 years, Greater Western Victoria Rebels
73. Sam Switkowski: Forward, 178cm, 68kg, 21 years, Box Hill Hawks
75. Scott Jones: Ruckman, 204cm, 112kg, 22 years, East Perth
BUCKENARA SAYS: Fremantle had a big hand in this draft and it’s good to see the Dockers are now turning over their list. They’ve picked a bit of everything after delisting ruckmen, defenders and midfielders this year. Brayshaw — a potential future captain — and Cerra are fantastic picks and will add plenty to the club’s onball brigade. The Dockers are building a really strong midfield group and building their team around that. They’ve also brought in some new developing ruckmen in Meek and Jones after delisting Zac Clarke and Jonathon Griffin — that’s a good move. They will learn off Aaron Sandilands for a year or two, which will help their development enormously. I’m glad to see Meek in particular get an opportunity, he’s got some big upside. He’s got the body to play next year but needs to work on his endurance. The Dockers have had success with mature-age players out of the VFL and Switkowski could be another success story. He’s an exciting type who kicks goals and could play next year as a pressure forward or outside midfielder because he’s quick and elusive. We should see Brayshaw and Cerra play senior footy in 2018.
THE VERDICT: With two picks inside the top five Fremantle were always going to be one of the big winners. This is an important draft for Fremantle, it’s the start of their rebuild. In three years these players will hopefully be playing regular senior football.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES FREMANTLE’S LIST
GEELONG
WHO THEY PICKED
22. Lachlan Fogarty: Midfielder, 179cm, 75kg, 18 years, Western Jets
24. Tim Kelly: Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 82kg, 23 years, South Fremantle
36. Charlie Constable: Midfielder, 190cm, 83kg, 18 years, Sandringham Dragons
57. Gryan Miers: Small forward/midfielder, 177cm, 73kg, 18 years, Geelong Falcons
BUCKENARA SAYS: Stephen Wells has done it again and secured a couple of absolute steals. Fogarty will be a really good player and Kelly can play next year and add the speed this team desperately needs. He was in my top 50 because he’s so exciting to watch — he’s clever and he’s got a mature body so he can be a replacement for Steven Motlop, potentially straight away. He’s got elite traits, the only question marks are over whether he can adjust to a full-time AFL environment and the demands of elite footy, but given he’s landed at Geelong, it’s really the perfect place for him to reach his potential given the leadership of Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Ablett. I had Constable ranked at No.11 in my top 50 and I am shocked he slid to 36. He’s a beauty as that midfield prototype and is a smart footballer. I was also surprised Miers went so late — he’s a great pick at 57. He’s another steal, I had him ranked at 19.
THE VERDICT: The Cats have nailed it. One of the big winners.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES GEELONG’S LIST
GOLD COAST SUNS
WHO THEY PICKED
19. Wil Powell: Midfielder, 184cm, 65kg, 18 years, Claremont
42. Charlie Ballard: Utility, 195cm, 81kg, 18 years, Sturt
52. Brayden Crossley: Ruckman, 198cm, 101kg, 18 years, Gold Coast Academy
55. Connor Nutting: Defender, 185cm, 77kg, 18 years, Gold Coast Academy
BUCKENARA SAYS: Interesting draft from the Suns. They picked a bolter in Powell, and given the position the club is in, I would have preferred they went for a safer pick. I don’t think the club can afford to take speculative picks, they need to improve the list now. Powell can play as both an inside and outside midfielder and will take a while to develop because he’s just 65kg. I like the selection of Ballard, who adds a lot of flexibility. It’s good to see another couple of players added from their Academy in Crossley and Nutting — homegrown talents with no go-home factor.
THE VERDICT: The jury is out on Gold Coast. I’ve got some concerns. Could Powell be a masterstroke? Time will tell. Recruiter Scott Clayton has always been one to live by the sword and die by the sword.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES GOLD COAST’S LIST
GWS GIANTS
WHO THEY PICKED
11. Aiden Bonar: Midfielder/forward, 189cm, 87kg, 18 years, Dandenong Stingrays
27. Brent Daniels: Small forward, 172cm, 70kg, 18 years, Bendigo Pioneers
28. Sam Taylor: Key defender, 196cm, 88kg, 18 years, Swan Districts
56. Zac Giles-Langdon: Forward, 175cm, 75kg, 22 years, Claremont
64. Nick Shipley: Midfielder, 188cm, 93kg, 18 years, GWS Academy
BUCKENARA SAYS: In Bonar, Daniels and Taylor the Giants have added three players I really like — they’re rippers. Even though Bonar has had two knee reconstructions, his talent is unquestionable and given the depth at GWS, the club could afford to take the gamble with their early pick. At 15 years of age the sky was the limit for him before those injuries. Daniels fills a need as a small forward, as does Giles-Langdon, so the Giants have got two options there who can come in and play a role next year as coach Leon Cameron looks to add more pace and flexibility to his forward line after appearing too top-heavy at times this year. Shipley comes out of the Academy and he’s got some talent as a midfielder who can also play forward or back. Bonar, Daniels and Taylor can all play in 2018. I hope they get an opportunity because I’m really keen to see them at AFL level.
THE VERDICT: A strong draft from the Giants, I really like what they’ve done.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES GWS’S LIST
HAWTHORN
WHO THEY PICKED
45. James Worpel: Midfielder, 185cm, 84kg, 18 years, Geelong Falcons
67. Dylan Moore: Midfielder/small forward, 175cm, 66kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
71. Jackson Ross: Midfielder/forward, 192cm, 75kg, 18 years, Haileybury College/Eastern Ranges
BUCKENARA SAYS: Everyone will say I’m biased but the Hawks have done it again. To have just three picks so late in the draft and to come away with Worpel, Moore and Ross, it’s a very successful night for Hawthorn. I had each of those three ranked in my top 50 — Worpel at 30, Moore at 33 and Ross at 38 — and I’m very surprised they lasted so deep into the draft. Worpel is a manic competitor and there’s no doubt that’s what Alastair Clarkson and Graham Wright love about him. I know from my time at Hawthorn that’s one of the traits the club looks for. He can come in and play next year because he’s already got a solid body. Ross is a bit of a project player — he has an elite tennis background and was late to footy so there is huge upside. He’s got a lot of natural talent and his athleticism makes him an exciting prospect. Moore could also be given a taste of senior footy in 2018.
THE VERDICT: I rate Hawthorn as one of the winners of the draft given they have picked up potentially three very good players with later picks who I rated highly before the draft.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES HAWTHORN’S LIST
MELBOURNE
WHO THEY PICKED
29. Charlie Spargo: Midfielder/small forward, 173cm, 73kg, 18 years, Murray Bushrangers
31. Bayley Fritsch: Forward, 186cm, 74kg, 20 years, Casey Demons
37. Harrison Petty: Key Defender, 194cm, 81kg, 18 years, Norwood
48. Oskar Baker: Midfielder, 182cm, 76kg, 19 years, Aspley
BUCKENARA SAYS: In my Melbourne list analysis column for the Herald Sun during the trade period I wrote the Demons needed a small forward to help Jeff Garlett. They’ve got that in Spargo. He can play through the midfield, but I think his position at AFL level will be as a small forward who loves to tackle and pressure the opposition. I really like the selection of Petty. I had him rated at 22 in my top 50 so to get a potential key defender of his quality at 37 great value. He reads the ball really well in flight. The Demons have a bit of a history of taking mature-age players out of second-tier competitions and they’ve done it again with Fritsch, who kicked 42 goals for Casey this year. Melbourne also need some more outside pace and they get that with Baker.
THE VERDICT: Melbourne came into the draft at pick 29 but would have walked away pretty happy. They’ve addressed list needs so that’s a tick from me.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES MELBOURNE’S LIST
NORTH MELBOURNE
WHO THEY PICKED
4. Luke Davies-Uniacke: Midfielder, 187cm, 85kg, 18 years, Dandenong Stingrays
23. Will Walker: Utility, 187cm, 79kg, 18 years, Sandringham Dragons
62. Kyron Hayden: Midfielder, 186cm, 86kg, 18 years, Subiaco
72. Tristan Xerri: Ruckman, 201cm, 93kg, 18, Western Jets
77. Billy Hartung: Midfielder, 177cm, 78kg 22 years, Hawthorn
BUCKENARA SAYS: To get Davies-Uniacke at pick 4 was a brilliant result for North Melbourne. I have been critical of the Roos’ list and the fact there is no real star power, but this kid could be the guy they have been looking for. He’s a potential star. I also love the selection of Hartung. He’s a really good fit because he’s exactly what they need — he’s got pace and can run and break the lines through the midfield. He definitely deserved a second chance at AFL level, but needs to understand he now really must knuckle down. He’s got all the attributes to be a good AFL player, even though he can make some errors with the footy. He’s got the endurance and pace to provide a different dynamic to the North Melbourne team. Walker went a little bit higher than I expected as he’ll take time to develop. He’s raw at the moment because he’s a soccer convert, but is very athletic and has some upside.
THE VERDICT: A good draft from North Melbourne and I applaud them for backing their judgment and taking a punt on Hartung. At pick 77 you rarely get a player who will play many games these days, so that’s a smart move.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES NORTH MELBOURNE’S LIST
PORT ADELAIDE
WHO THEY PICKED
47. Sam Hayes: Ruckman/key forward, 203cm, 93kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
51. Kane Farrell: Defender, 182cm, 74kg, 18 years, Bendigo Pioneers
58. Jake Patmore: Defender, 181cm, 72kg, 18 years, Claremont
60. Joel Garner: Half back/midfielder, 183cm, 81kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
61. Dom Barry: Midfielder, 183cm, 78kg, 23 years, Glenelg/Melbourne
BUCKENARA SAYS: Port Adelaide might have walked away with the steal of the draft in Hayes at pick 47. The best forward/ruckman, I had him ranked as my sixth-best player of the draft so to get him where they did, I was beyond stunned. It’s interesting why he fell that far — perhaps the concerns over his endurance are more magnified, but you need to invest in the talls because they take time to develop. You need to be patient. The bonus for Port is there is no rush for Hayes to play senior footy because he will develop under Paddy Ryder. The Power also continued the trend of picking up experienced players this off-season in former Demon Barry. He’s gone back to the SANFL and kept at it and now he gets his second opportunity. He’s a stylish player with some real class about him. He can play across half forward, but they could try him as a rebound defender because he reads the play well. Garner at 60 could also be a bargain. He was in a lot of top 30s.
THE VERDICT: Port Adelaide has done well for a club which didn’t have its first selection until 47. A good night for the Power to continue a strong off-season.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES PORT ADELAIDE’S LIST
RICHMOND
WHO THEY PICKED
17. Jack Higgins: Small forward/midfielder, 178cm, 76kg, 18 years, Oakleigh Chargers
20. Callum Coleman-Jones: Ruckman/key forward, 201cm, 18 years, 98kg, Sturt
25. Noah Balta: Key defender, 194cm, 92kg, 18 years, Calder Cannons
34. Patrick Naish (father-son): Midfielder, 183cm, 73kg, 18 years, Northern Knights
63. Ben Miller: Ruckman, 196cm, 93kg, 18 years, Subiaco
NEW TIGER: ‘JUST SHOW ME WHERE THE NANK IS’
BUCKENARA SAYS: This was a dream result for Richmond. The Tigers were able to use their first three picks on some really talented players before a bid came for father-son Naish, a player I rated at No.14 in my top 50. The club would be delighted he slipped through to 34, and they got him really cheaply. They also addressed two needs — for a developing ruckman/forward (Coleman-Jones) and key defender (Balta) to develop behind Alex Rance and David Astbury. I liken Balta to Rance because of his athleticism and ability to read the play, he’s the modern-day defender, so Richmond really was the perfect place for him to land and learn his craft from one of the best defenders in the game. Higgins is a real professional, he’ll do everything right and be dedicated to being the best AFL player he can be. I think he can play some senior footy next year, while Naish could be given a taste.
THE VERDICT: Richmond’s dream year continued through to the draft. A brilliant haul for the Tigers.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES RICHMOND’S LIST
ST KILDA
WHO THEY PICKED
7. Hunter Clark: Half back/midfielder, 186cm, 79kg, 18 years, Dandenong Stingrays
8. Nicholas Coffield: Midfielder/half back, 190cm, 83kg, 18 years, Northern Knights
35. Oscar Clavarino: Key defender, 196cm, 86kg, 18 years, Dandenong Stingrays
46. Ben Paton: Halfback, 186cm, 78kg, 19 years, Murray Bushrangers
BUCKENARA SAYS: St Kilda has some really good players on its list, but what it is crying out for is some star power. I think the Saints might have found that in Clark. The No.7 pick is highly-rated — he’s got real upside and is a competitor who also brings an x-factor. I really like his competitiveness. I also rate Coffield, I think he’s going to be a really good player in the future. His speed and size makes him the perfect modern-day halfback/midfielder. The Saints nailed picks 7 and 8. In Clavarino, the club addressed a need for a key defender for the future behind Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown, while Paton uses the ball really well and makes good decisions by both hand and foot.
THE VERDICT: The Saints were always going to be one of the big winners with two picks inside the top 10, but you’ve got to nail your selections and I think they have done that. They’ve also addressed two needs with their later picks, which is the cherry on top.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES ST KILDA’S LIST
SYDNEY SWANS
WHO THEY PICKED
14. Matthew Ling: Midfielder, 182cm, 74kg, 18 years, Geelong Falcons
33. Tom McCartin: Key forward, 193cm, 84kg, 17 years, Geelong Falcons
53. Ryley Stoddart: Halfback/midfielder, 185cm, 74kg, 18 years, Eastern Ranges
BUCKENARA SAYS: The Swans sprung a bit of a surprise by taking Ling at 14. I had him rated at 20 in my top 50, but he really fills the need for speed at Sydney so I understand why they’ve pounced early. He can be a 70-80m player who breaks the game open, something the Swans are crying out for, as good as they have been over the past five or six years. Stoddart slipped a bit from where I expected him to be taken and I think the Swans would be thrilled to nab him at 53. He never wastes a possession and is exactly what you want in a halfback. As much as you’d like to think Lance Franklin will play forever, it’s time the Swans start to plan for the future with their tall forwards, and that’s why they’ve jumped on McCartin. He only just qualified for the draft at 17 and will complete year 12 next year. The Swans have got in early. Ling and Stoddart should get some senior exposure in 2018.
THE VERDICT: The Swans have done well for a club that had just the three selections and just one inside the top 30. Big tick.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES SYDNEY’S LIST
WEST COAST EAGLES
WHO THEY PICKED
13. Jarrod Brander: Key defender/key forward, 194cm, 89kg, 18 years, Bendigo Pioneers
21. Oscar Allen: Forward, 191cm, 83kg, 18 years, West Perth
26. Liam Ryan: Small forward, 184cm, 76kg, 21 years, Subiaco
32. Brayden Ainsworth: Midfielder, 184cm, 80kg, 18 years, Subiaco
38. Jack Petruccelle: Half back/half forward, 184cm, 73kg, 18 years, Northern Knights
68. Hamish Brayshaw: Midfielder, 187cm, 91kg, 19 years, Sandringham Dragons
BUCKENARA SAYS: The Eagles are going in a new direction with their list and their draft picks reflect that. With the retirements of Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell, West Coast is looking to inject more speed into its line-up and it has done that with Ryan and Petruccelle. I don’t say this lightly, but Ryan has a bit of Cyril Rioli about him. He’s such an exciting prospect and the fact he’s staying close to his family in Western Australia can only bode well for his footy. He’s a risk but at 21 years of age he’s hopefully ready to immerse himself in a full-time AFL environment because he can be an excitement machine and is the real x-factor of this draft. He was in my top 50 when not many had rated him so I’m thrilled to see him get his opportunity. He can play senior footy next year, there’s no doubt about it. The Eagles also secured the best true key position forward in the draft in Brander, who will develop behind Josh Kennedy — what a player to learn from. He can also play in defence. Allen is a local product and another potential forward for the future, although he’s not a true key position player, he plays more like his new teammate Jack Darling. Petruccelle has serious upside, one of the most exciting prospects in the draft who in a few years with development could be a really dynamic and dangerous player.
THE VERDICT: There’s no doubt West Coast has emerged as one of the big winners of the draft.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES WEST COAST’S LIST
WESTERN BULLDOGS
WHO THEY PICKED
9. Aaron Naughton: Key defender, 194cm, 84kg, 17 years, Peel Thunder
16. Ed Richards: Half back/midfielder, 185cm, 78kg, 18 years, Oakleigh Chargers
74. Callum Porter: Midfielder, 182cm, 76kg, 18 years, Gippsland Power
BIG WINNERS: DOGS HAPPY WITH DRAFT HAUL
BUCKENARA SAYS: The Bulldogs weren’t big players, but with two picks inside the top 20 it was important to get them right — and I like what they’ve brought into the club. I know it appears from the outside the Bulldogs don’t need a key defender, but they do, and Naughton is a really good one. None of Marcus Adams, Fletcher Roberts or Zaine Cordy are true key defenders, Dale Morris is probably in his last season and I think the loss of Joel Hamling to Fremantle has been underestimated. Key defence was definitely an area that needed to be bolstered and Naughton has the ability to play some games next year as he develops alongside fellow young defender Kieran Collins. Richards is a really nice halfback with speed who can eventually replace Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd. He’s a real footballer with good pedigree, being a relative of Collingwood great Lou Richards and a grandson of Lou’s fellow premiership-winning brother Ron. I think both Naughton and Richards can play some footy in 2018.
THE VERDICT: A really good haul for the Bulldogs. The club targeted specific needs and made smart recruiting decisions.
LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA ANALYSES WESTERN BULLDOGS’ LIST
BUCKENARA’S BIG DRAFT WINNERS NAMED: Carlton, Brisbane Lions, West Coast, Geelong, Hawthorn, Adelaide.
Gary Buckenara helped build Hawthorn’s three-peat premiership list and now he runs a rule over club lists in an exclusive column for the Herald Sun.
Buckenara was a major part of Hawthorn’s recruiting team between 2004-2015 and was responsible for bringing Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis to the Hawks in 2004 when he was the Hawks’ sole full-time recruiter.
Originally published as Recruiter Gary Buckenara rates every club’s 2017 AFL draft haul
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