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AFL draft 2019: Recruiter Gary Buckenara analyses every club’s draft haul

How did your club fare at the draft? Recruiter Gary Buckenara analyses every club’s draft selections and names the clubs he believes brought in the best players.

Draft Day 2 recap

Every player given the opportunity to join an AFL club is there because he’s got talent and can play the game.

It’s why the draft is always such a positive time for clubs and fans alike.

I’ve never seen or heard a club walk away from the draft disappointed with their picks — it’s now a matter of nurturing the talent with good coaching and development to turn these talented youngsters into good AFL players.

While a handful of draftees will have an immediate impact in 2020, just as Sam Walsh did this year and Jaidyn Stephenson did in 2018, the likelihood for most players and clubs is we won’t see the fruits of their draft hauls for another 3-4 years.

Here’s my review of every club’s picks in this year’s draft.

ADELAIDE

DRAFT PICKS

6. Fischer McAsey: 195cm, 86kg, Defender, Sandringham Dragons

25. Harry Schoenberg: 180cm, 78kg, Midfielder, Woodville West Torrens

28. Josh Worrell: 195cm, 74kg, Defender, Sandringham Dragons

42. Ronin O’Connor: 191cm, 85kg, Midfielder, Claremont

48. Lachlan Gollant: 191cm, 72kg, Midfielder, Calder Cannon

ROOKIE PICKS

7. Ben Keays: 185cm, 89kg, Midfielder, Brisbane Lions

21. Ben Crocker: 188cm, 84kg, Midfielder, Collingwood

Buckenara says: It’s a new generation at Adelaide and the future looks bright. Fischer McAsey brings nice traits and reads the play so well that he can float in and take intercept marks. After losing Alex Keath to the Bulldogs he’s a good addition to develop alongside Daniel Talia and Tom Doedee.

Good to see the Crows bring in some midfield speed and creativity with Harry Schoenberg, Ronin O’Connor and Lachlan Gollant given their onballers are all similar types who aren’t known for their pace. Schoenberg in particular is exactly what they need – he brings speed, endurance and very good skills.

They got a bit of a steal with Josh Worrell at pick 28 – I had him at No. 12 – and they just couldn’t pass him up as they would have thought he’d be long gone.

McAsey should get a taste at AFL level next year. Ex-Pie Ben Crocker was an interesting move in the rookie draft. He is a good size and can be a goalkicker.

Buckenara’s verdict: Added some speed and some good key-position prospects, who are always hard to find. Would be very happy with their haul.

Adelaide swooped on Fischer McAsey with pick 6.
Adelaide swooped on Fischer McAsey with pick 6.
Deven Robertson slipped to the Lions in the second round.
Deven Robertson slipped to the Lions in the second round.

BRISBANE LIONS

DRAFT PICKS

22. Deven Robertson: 182cm 80kg, Midfielder, Perth

33. Brock Smith: 188cm 81kg, Defender, Gippsland Power

37. Keidean Coleman: 181cm 73kg, Forward, Morningside

59. Jaxon Prior: 188cm 79kg, Defender, West Perth

ROOKIE PICKS

12. Sam Skinner: 198cm, 100kg, Defender, Brisbane Lions

26. Corey Lyons: 184cm, 184cm, 83kg, Midfielder, Brisbane Lions

34. Archie Smith: 203cm, 104kg, Ruckman, Brisbane Lions

Buckenara says: Got a steal with Deven Robertson at pick 22 after doing a trade with Port Adelaide to move up the order. Robertson and Brock Smith will add grunt and competitiveness to the midfield and in time help the likes of Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko so they don’t have to do it all.

The knock on Robertson is his leg speed, which is probably why he slipped down the order, but he’s such a professional he won’t die wondering whether he could be an AFL player or not. Essendon seemed very keen to get academy prospect Keidean Coleman, who Brisbane clearly had earmarked as the best player from their academy this year given they passed on matching bids for others (Noah Cumberland and Will Martyn both went to Richmond).

They had to match a surprising high bid at 37 but Brisbane has been keen to add more speed to their forward half and he definitely fits the bill.

Buckenara’s verdict: The Lions have recruited very smartly over the last 3-4 years to bring in players with leadership qualities and Robertson will bring more of that. He’s a ripper.

CARLTON

DRAFT PICKS

17. Brodie Kemp: 192cm, 82kg, Def/Mid, Bendigo Pioneers

20. Sam Philp: 185cm, 80kg, Midfielder, Northern Knights

47. Sam Ramsay: 180cm, 72kg, Midfielder, Calder Cannons

PRE-SEASON DRAFT

Jack Martin: 185cm, 71kg, Forward, Gold Coast Suns

ROOKIE PICKS

3. Josh Honey: 184cm, 79kg, Forward, Western Jets

18. Fraser Phillips: 186cm, 71kg, Forward, Gippsland Power

Buckenara says: It was surprising to see the Blues trade away their first pick (No. 11) but to in the end get two first-rounders in return (17 and 20) was smart. Clearly Stephen Silvagni was confident of getting the player he wanted, Brodie Kemp, at pick 17 anyway. He’s on the comeback trail from a torn ACL but I think in time Kemp can be a utility and play a number of positions.

Sam Philp at pick 20 was a surprise – I had him rated at 45, but I wrote that speed is what Carlton need and Philp will bring that because he has elite pace as a line-breaking midfielder. He didn’t get picked for Vic Metro this year but worked really hard in the back end of the year and won the Northern Knights’ best-and-fairest, which speaks volumes about his dedication and professionalism to his football.

Great result to get their man Jack Martin for nothing in the pre-season draft.

Buckenara’s verdict: Filled the need for pace with Philp and Sam Ramsay in the draft and the need for quick smaller forwards with Martin in the pre-season draft and Eddie Betts in the trade period. Nice off-season for Carlton.

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New Blues Sam Philp (left) and Brodie Kemp.
New Blues Sam Philp (left) and Brodie Kemp.

COLLINGWOOD

DRAFT PICKS

40. Jay Rantall: 184cm, 82kg Midfielder, GWV Rebels

45. Trent Bianco:

178cm, 70kg Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers

55. Trey Ruscoe: 190cm, 90kg Defender, East Fremantle

ROOKIE PICKS

Nil

Buckenara says: Got an absolute steal with Trent Bianco, who I had rated at 21, at pick No. 45. He’s a smart pick not just because he’s so talented and slid down the order but because he’s such a good kick and makes good decisions by hand and foot, qualities the Magpies have lacked a bit.

Phil Partington at the GWV Rebels rates Jay Rantall very highly and tells me he’s a quality kid who’s extremely driven and a real professional with everything he does. He’s a solid build at 184cm and 82kg and with his elite endurance would be ready to play next year if an opportunity arose.

Good to see the Pies pick a developing tall defender in Trey Ruscoe but why no developing or experienced forward out of the state league?

Buckenara’s verdict: For a club that didn’t have high picks the Magpies have done extremely well to get a couple of sliders in Rantall and Bianco. They definitely wouldn’t have expected Bianco to be there at 45.

Collingwood snared draft sliders Trent Bianco and Jay Rantall.
Collingwood snared draft sliders Trent Bianco and Jay Rantall.

ESSENDON

DRAFT PICKS

30. Harrison Jones: 194cm, 75kg, Calder Cannons, key forward

38. Nick Bryan: 202cm, 87kg, ruck, Oakleigh Chargers

56. Ned Cahill: 178cm 77kg, Forward, Dandenong Stingrays

63. Lachlan Johnson: 175cm, 76kg, Forward, Calder Cannons

ROOKIE PICKS

10. Mitchell Hibberd: 192cm, 87kg, Midfielder, North Melbourne

Buckenara says: The Bombers need developing talls and Harrison Jones is a very nice selection for the future, but is a player who could play a role at AFL level next year if needed because he leads up at the ball very well and Essendon lacks that type of player. He can also play down back as a key defender.

Nick Bryan was the second-best ruckman in the draft and will need time to develop, but the ruck has been an issue for the Bombers for a number of years, so it’s good to see them with a couple of options now with Tom Bellchambers, Andrew Phillips, Sam Draper and Bryan.

Will Orazio Fantasia leave next year? If he does then the Bombers have planned for that by drafting Ned Cahill and Lachlan Johnson as crafty and clever small forwards. Johnson tore his ACL in July so will spend most of his first season in rehab.

Buckenara’s verdict: We don’t yet know what Joe Daniher will do at the end of next season so the Bombers have got on the front foot by drafting Jones, who they will also eye as a player who could potentially take over from Cale Hooker (31) and Michael Hurley (30 next year) when they retire because he can play at both ends.

Nick Bryan (right) adds to Essendon’s ruck depth.
Nick Bryan (right) adds to Essendon’s ruck depth.

FREMANTLE

DRAFT PICKS

7. Hayden Young: 188cm, 82kg, Defender, Dandenong Stingrays

8. Caleb Serong: 178cm, 83kg Mid/Fwd, Gippsland Power

9. Liam Henry: 179cm, 67kg, Forward, Claremont

61. Minairo Frederick: 183cm, 71kg, Midfielder, Woodville-West Torrens

ROOKIE PICKS

10. Jarvis Pina: 176kg, 71kg, Small Forward, Peel Thunder

20: Tom North: 183cm, 84kg, Midfielder, Fremantle

30: Hugh Dixon: 196cm, 96kg, Forward, Fremantle

Buckenara says: Very important draft for Fremantle given in the last 14 months they’ve lost Lachie Neale, Bradley Hill and Ed Langdon. Hayden Young, Caleb Serong and Liam Henry are all potential stars and when you have three top-10 picks in any draft you’re going to walk away very happy. All three of them can play senior footy next year, it just depends on whether new coach Justin Longmuir will want to bring them in straight away or develop them a bit in the WAFL first.

I really like Young in particular because he’s a lovely kick and Henry is an excitement machine. The Dockers are building a good young list with these latest additions to join fellow top picks Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Griffin Logue as potential stars of the future. They’re on the right track.

Buckenara’s verdict: One of the big winners – a very good draft for them on paper. Now it’s over to the development and coaching staff to nurture the talent of Young, Serong and Henry in particular.

Fremantle’s trio of top-10 draft picks Liam Henry, Hayden Young and Caleb Serong.
Fremantle’s trio of top-10 draft picks Liam Henry, Hayden Young and Caleb Serong.

GEELONG

DRAFT PICKS

16. Cooper Stephens: 188cm 83kg, Midfielder, Geelong Falcons

19. Sam De Koning: 200cm 85kg, Defender, Dandenong Stingrays

41. Francis Evans: 182cm 78kg, Forward, Calder Cannons

50. Cameron Taheny: 185cm 80kg, Forward, Norwood

ROOKIE PICKS

14. Bradley Close: 181cm, 68kg, Forward, Glenelg

27: Oscar Brownless: 186cm, 75kg, Midfielder, Geelong

35: Lachie Henderson: 196cm, 98kg, Defender, Geelong

Buckenara says: Typical of ‘Wellsy’ (list boss Stephen Wells) to pick the smoky of the draft in Francis Evans at pick 41 out of the Brunswick amateurs. It’s a punt but watch this space. He’s shown serious signs as a player in his two games for Calder Cannons where he kicked five goals before getting injured.

Cameron Taheny at pick 50 is a steal. I really like him and had him rated at 29 so it’s no wonder the Cats traded up the draft order (in a deal with Essendon for picks 63 and future third and fourth-round picks) to snap him up as a guy who can create something from nothing inside 50 – the type of player the Cats lack.

Sam De Koning will have a development year next year but Taheny and Cooper Stephens can play next year.

Buckenara’s verdict: Another job well done by Stephen Wells and his team but very surprising not to see them grab a ruckman from a state league. Getting pick 11 from Gold Coast in next year’s draft in a trade for pick 27 was exceptional. Always thinking ahead.

Cameron Taheny was a smart pick-up by the Cats.
Cameron Taheny was a smart pick-up by the Cats.

GOLD COAST SUNS

DRAFT PICKS

1. Matthew Rowell: 178cm, 74kg, midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers

2. Noah Anderson: 188cm, 86kg, midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers

11. Sam Flanders: 182cm, 79kg, mid/fwd, Gippsland Power

27. Jeremy Sharp: 187cm, 79kg, midfielder, East Fremantle

60. Jy Farrar: 190cm, 75kg, utility, Scotch Old Collegians

ROOKIE PICKS

1. Josh Schoenfeld: 186cm, 84kg, Midfielder, Gold Coast

16. Connor Budarick: 175cm, 72kg, Defender, Gold Coast Academy

29: Matt Conroy: 199cm, 85kg, Ruckman, Gold Coast Academy

37. Malcolm Rosas: 175cm, 70kg, Small Forward, NT Thunder

Buckenara says: How did Sam Flanders slip to No. 11? Gold Coast got the three best players in this draft and didn’t even hold the top three picks. Very smart from Craig Cameron and his team to trade for Carlton’s pick 11, even though it cost them picks 17 and 22, because Flanders is that good - he has similar traits to Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey and we know how damaging he is at his best.

Flanders (pick 11), Matt Rowell (1), Noah Anderson (2) and Jeremy Sharp (27) should play every AFL game next year barring injury because there’s no point in players of their ilk playing in the NEAFL, it will do nothing for their development. I want to see each of them in the Suns’ Round 1 team alongside Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Ben King. Exciting.

Buckenara’s verdict: The undoubted draft winners right now but can they retain these guys for longer than 2-4 years? Time will tell.

Gary Buckenara rated Sam Flanders the third-best player in the draft.
Gary Buckenara rated Sam Flanders the third-best player in the draft.

GWS GIANTS

DRAFT PICKS

4. Lachlan Ash: 186cm, 80kg, Defender, Murray Bushrangers

10. Tom Green: 188cm, 85kg, Midfielder, GWS Academy

51. Jake Riccardi: 195cm, 92kg, key forward, Werribee

65. Thomas Hutchesson: 177cm, 75kg, midfielder, Adelaide SANFL

ROOKIE PICKS

15. Jake Stein: 195cm, 95kg, Defender, GWS Giants

28. Tommy Sheridan: 187cm, 82kg, Midfielder, GWS Giants

36: Zachary Sproule: 197cm, 92kg, Forward, GWS Giants

Buckenara says: Tom Green will play Round 1 for the Giants in 2020 if he gets through pre-season unscathed because he’s a ready-made player. Lachie Ash will be the heir apparent behind veteran Heath Shaw and should get a taste of senior footy as a line-breaking half-back and will cause some damage in the future with Zac Williams on the other back flank.

Jake Riccardi is a really smart pick. I wrote in my GWS list analysis column they need another tall forward option after the departures of Rory Lobb, Jon Patton and even Adam Tomlinson in the past 14 months, and Riccardi has had a couple of really good years at VFL level – he averaged just under two goals a game this year.

Buckenara’s verdict: Played in the Grand Final then drafted two top-10 talents two months later. What more could you want?

The Giants’ two top-10 picks Lachlan Ash (left) and Tom Green. Picture: Michael Klein
The Giants’ two top-10 picks Lachlan Ash (left) and Tom Green. Picture: Michael Klein

HAWTHORN

DRAFT PICKS

13. Will Day: 187cm, 70kg, defender, West Adelaide

29. Finn Maginness: 187cm, 80kg, midfielder, Sandringham Dragons

57. Josh Morris: 186cm, 76kg, forward, Woodville West Torrens

PRE-SEASON DRAFT

Michael Hartley: 198cm, 102kg, Defender, Essendon

ROOKIE PICKS

9. Emerson Jeka: 197cm, 87kg, Forward, Western Jets

Buckenara says: Real family draft for the Hawks with the arrival of Will Day, the grandson of 1971 premiership player Robert Day, and father-son Finn Maginness. I was very surprised to see no bid come for Maginness until pick 29 because to me, he should have been a first-round pick such is his talent and improvement this year.

Day will be developed as a replacement for Ben Stratton and Grant Birchall as a defender who can also play as an outside midfielder. His running patterns and ability to link up to create will really play into Alastair Clarkson’s game style. He’s got big upside and will be given time to develop.

Buckenara’s verdict: No-brainer to match North Melbourne’s bid for Maginness, who would likely be the only one of the draftees to get a taste of senior footy in 2020.

Finn Maginness joined the Hawks under the father-son rule. Picture: Andy Brownbill
Finn Maginness joined the Hawks under the father-son rule. Picture: Andy Brownbill

MELBOURNE

DRAFT PICKS

3. Luke Jackson: 198cm, 94kg, ruck, East Fremantle

12. Kysaiah Pickett: 171cm, 67kg, Forward, Woodville West Torrens

32. Trent Rivers: 188cm, 85kg Defender, East Fremantle

ROOKIE PICKS

Nil.

Buckenara says: Luke Jackson at pick No. 3 is a risk. While he was the best ruckman in the draft, I had him rated as the 18th-best player because at 199cm he’s undersized for a ruckman at AFL level and I’ve got concerns over his ability to play as a marking forward. I think he’ll be a bit lost in that role.

He’s still raw but there’s no doubting his competitiveness and that he’ll work hard to develop his craft to become a very good AFL player, but he’ll need to improve his marking if he’s going to play forward and ruck. Hopefully he can grow a bit more to get over 200cm and be a better size for an AFL-level ruckman.

Kysaiah Pickett was a bolter at pick 12 but the Demons are desperate for some excitement in the forward line he brings that as well as physicality. I think he’ll be given opportunities at AFL level in 2020. He has Liam Ryan traits.

Buckenara’s verdict: It’s boom or bust on Jackson but they have addressed list needs.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin with recruits Kysaiah Pickett (left) and Luke Jackson.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin with recruits Kysaiah Pickett (left) and Luke Jackson.

NORTH MELBOURNE

DRAFT PICKS

31. Charlie Comben: 199cm, 82kg, ruck, Gippsland Power

34. Jack Mahony: 176cm, 70kg, midfielder, Sandringham Dragons

35. Flynn Perez: 187cm, 82kg, midfielder, Bendigo Pioneers

ROOKIE PICKS

Nil.

Buckenara says: Charlie Comben is a project ruckman who can also play forward but will spend the next few years developing in the VFL and learning off Todd Goldstein.

Jack Mahony is in the mould of Richmond’s Jack Higgins and is exactly the type of player the Kangaroos need to add a bit of excitement and creativity to their group. North Melbourne has good players but lacks guys who can make things happen, so he’ll be a nice addition as an energetic player.

Flynn Perez has missed a lot of footy with a torn ACL and was probably forgotten a little bit this year, but he does have talent and uses the ball well on both sides of his body.

Buckenara’s verdict: Not sure. Weren’t big players but will walk away thinking they’ve done as well as they could with their picks.

North Melbourne recruit Flynn Perez with his mum Narelle and dad Peter. Picture: Michael Klein
North Melbourne recruit Flynn Perez with his mum Narelle and dad Peter. Picture: Michael Klein

PORT ADELAIDE

DRAFT PICKS

14. Miles Bergman: 186cm, 75kg, Mid/Fwd, Sandringham Dragons

18. Mitch Georgiades: 191cm, 78kg, Forward, Subiaco

23. Dylan Williams: 185cm, 79kg, Mid/Fwd, Oakleigh Chargers

25. Jackson Mead (F/S): 184cm, 83kg, Mid/Fwd, Woodville West Torrens

ROOKIE PICKS

8. Jake Pasini: 192cm, 81kg, Defender, Swan Districts

22. Trent Burgoyne: 177cm, 70kg, Small forward, Woodville-West Torrens

32. Boyd Woodcock: 174cm, 70kg, Small forward, Port Adelaide

38. Riley Grundy: 194cm, 84kg, Defender, Port Adelaide

Buckenara says: What a draft. All four boys taken in the national draft can really play but the big win was getting father-son Jackson Mead at pick No. 25 because I really rate him and thought a bid would come in the first round – I had him rated as the 15th-best player in the draft. Instead, the Power were able to draft Miles Bergman, Mitch Georgiades and Dylan Williams before using their final pick on Mead. Huge win.

The Power have made an effort over the last two years to bring in more pure footballers and are building a good core of young players who play on instinct, have footy nous and take the game on. Exciting times.

Dylan Williams has X-factor. All four are capable of playing next year and could have a similar impact as Connor Rozee and Zak Butters did this year.

Buckenara’s verdict: Huge draft for Port Adelaide, they’re definitely one of the big winners at this early stage.

Port Adelaide recruit Trent Burgoyne (right) with his father and Power premiership player Peter.
Port Adelaide recruit Trent Burgoyne (right) with his father and Power premiership player Peter.

RICHMOND

DRAFT PICKS

21. Thomson Dow: 182cm, 72kg, Midfielder, Bendigo Pioneers

43. Noah Cumberland: 183cm, 79kg, Midfielder, Brisbane Lions Academy

44. Will Martyn: 183cm, 73kg, Midfielder, Brisbane Lions Academy

46. Hugo Ralphsmith: 186cm, 70kg, Forward, Sandringham Dragons

54. Bigoa Nyuon: 195cm, 87kg, Ruck, Dandenong Stingrays

ROOKIE PICKS

Nil.

Buckenara says: The Tigers obviously spent a lot of the year watching the NEAFL after nabbing Brisbane Academy players Noah Cumberland and Will Martyn.

Thomson Dow is a good pick as an exciting midfielder with a burst of speed and he plays differently to his brother, Carlton’s Paddy Dow. He needs to build up his body (currently only 72kg) but because he’s more of an outside midfielder who can drift forward, he could get a taste of senior footy next year depending on his VFL form.

Hugo Ralphsmith, son of my former teammate Sean Ralphsmith, was a bit of a slider who has the same competitiveness as his dad. He’s a late developer who will need time but I thought he’d be taken earlier. Bigoa Nyuon is a project player who is very athletic as a ruckman with a big leap.

Buckenara’s verdict: Got a bit of everything and given the strength of their list, will invest time in these guys to develop them for the future.

Richmond nabbed Thomson Dow with the last pick in the first round.
Richmond nabbed Thomson Dow with the last pick in the first round.

ST KILDA

DRAFT PICKS

52. Ryan Byrnes: 181cm 80kg, Midfielder, Sandringham Dragons

64. Leo Connolly: 181cm 74kg, Defender, Gippsland Power

ROOKIE PICKS

5. Jack Bell: 200cm, 73kg, Ruckman, Sandringham Dragons

Buckenara says: Only took two later picks in the national draft after a big trade period and drafted for needs to bring in more speed. Jack Steven was traded to Geelong but St Kilda has brought in a potential Steven clone in Ryan Byrnes because he possesses similar traits in that likes to arch his back and use his burst of speed to get out of a pack. I had him rated at 37, so it’s a bit of a win to get him at pick 52.

Buckenara’s verdict: Overall a good off-season for the Saints when you factor in their trade acquisitions.

Ryan Byrnes uses his pace for the Sandringham Dragons. Picture: Hamish Blair
Ryan Byrnes uses his pace for the Sandringham Dragons. Picture: Hamish Blair

SYDNEY

DRAFT PICKS

5. Dylan Stephens: 183cm, 69kg, midfielder, Norwood

26. Will Gould: 191cm, 98kg, defender, Glenelg

36. Elijah Taylor: 185cm, 75kg, forward, Perth

39. Chad Warner: 181cm, 80kg, midfielder, East Fremantle

ROOKIE PICKS

4. Brady Rowles: 188cm, 72kg, Midfielder, Bendigo Pioneers

19: Jack Maibaum: 194cm, 91kg, Defender, Sydney

Buckenara says: The Swans went into the draft with a clear plan to address their need for speed and creativity through the midfield and half-back and capitalised on their early picks big time.

Dylan Stephens is an elite athlete with good pace and a precise left foot who will cause some damage as an outside runner, but I love the addition of Will Gould. Sydney would have been ecstatic to call his name out – I had him ranked at No. 7, so to get him at pick 26 was a big surprise.

He is an elite kick and I liken him to Shannon Hurn, so on a smaller ground like the SCG that is going to be lethal because in one kick he can move the Swans from defence to attack. Lance Franklin’s eyes would be lighting up at the prospect of that delivery.

Elijah Taylor has serious X-factor, clean hands and really good goal sense and will add excitement to the forward 50. Each of those three should feature at AFL level in 2020.

Buckenara’s verdict: Very good draft for Sydney that could set them up nicely for the future as they start to develop their next wave of stars to take over from the likes of Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.

South Australian Will Gould was a huge bargain for Sydney. Picture: Tom Huntley
South Australian Will Gould was a huge bargain for Sydney. Picture: Tom Huntley

WEST COAST

DRAFT PICKS

49. Callum Jamieson: 202cm, 86kg, ruckman, Claremont

58 Ben Johnson: 180cm, 68kg, defender, Perth

ROOKIE PICKS

11. Anthony Treacy: 181cm, 80kg, Forward, Claremont

25: Mitch O’Neill: 181cm, 70kg, Midfielder, North Hobart

33. Brendon Ah Chee: 189cm, 88kg, Midfielder, West Coast

39: Hamish Brayshaw: 187cm, 90kg, Midfielder, West Coast

Buckenara says: Good to see the Eagles bring in a young ruckman in Callum Jamieson to learn from Nic Naitanui (30 in May), Tom Hickey (28) and Nathan Vardy (28) so he has time to develop while those guys are still playing.

Ben Johnson is a defender with a penetrating kick, a trait West Coast just loves. Mitch O’Neill was unlucky not to get drafted in the national draft – I had him rated at 46 - but gets his chance as a rookie so I really like that move. He’s a smart player who uses the ball intelligently (think Caleb Daniel), so will fit in well given West Coast’s high-possession kick-mark game style.

Don’t expect the kids to feature much at AFL level in 2020.

Buckenara’s verdict: Weren’t big players but got a potential steal in O’Neill via the rookie draft. Any team that brings in a player of Tim Kelly’s ilk has had a big off-season.

Cody Weightman could debut in Round 1 next year. Picture: Michael Klein
Cody Weightman could debut in Round 1 next year. Picture: Michael Klein

WESTERN BULLDOGS

DRAFT PICKS

15. Cody Weightman: 177cm, 73kg, Forward, Dandenong Stingrays

53. Louis Butler: 183cm, 74kg, Defender, Sandringham Dragons

62. Riley Garcia: 175cm, 78kg, Midfielder, Swan Districts

ROOKIE PICKS

Nil.

Buckenara says: Cody Weightman fits the Bulldogs’ needs perfectly and is going to be a very, very good player. I expect him to play Round 1 next year and slot in seamlessly as an exciting small forward who’ll feed off Aaron Naughton, Josh Schache and Josh Bruce but can also take marks in his own right and apply pressure.

I think the Bulldogs missed Luke Dahlhaus last season but Weightman will bring similar traits and add what the forward line lacked – they had a few too many similar types of smaller forwards in Sam Lloyd and Tory Dickson who, while still valuable as goalkicking options, didn’t really bring that zip you need.

Louis Butler and Riley Garcia are speculative picks.

Buckenara’s verdict: Fantastic off-season for the Bulldogs, who had a clear plan to address their needs for key-position players forward and back (Josh Bruce and Alex Keath) and to add an exciting small forward (Weightman). Very smart recruiting. This list is very well placed for 2020. Look out.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-2019-recruiter-gary-buckenara-analyses-every-clubs-draft-haul/news-story/8297e3537e8e4f72b71185eca7a87bd3