Jon Ralph looks at the draftees who could make Round 1 debuts at all 18 clubs
WE are just days out from Round 1 but there are still plenty of big selection questions facing all 18 clubs. JON RALPH runs his eye over which draftees are in prime position to debut for their new clubs.
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WE are just days out from Round 1 but there are still plenty of big selection questions facing all 18 clubs.
In anticipation of next week’s teams being announced, JON RALPH runs his eye over which draftees are in prime position to debut for their new clubs.
At Carlton, Paddy Dow has been beating the door down with his form on the track and in the JLT Series.
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Geelong’s Tim Kelly is being talked up as potentially the steal of the draft while at Collingwood, the Magpies could unveil two new faces against the Hawks.
Who is in the mix at your club?
ADELAIDE
Darcy Fogarty is closing in on a Round 1 debut given Taylor Walker’s ongoing injury problems, while Tom Doedee seems a lock to replace Melbourne-bound Jake Lever in defence.
BRISBANE
The national draft’s overall No. 1 pick Cam Rayner has done enough to play next weekend after a hard-tackling JLT clash in which he showed he was happy to throw his weight around.
COLLINGWOOD
Ex-Swan Sam Murray’s 24 possessions last week should see him slot into defence against the Hawks’ small forwards.
Jaidyn Stephenson would be confident he can hold his place despite competition for spots in the forward line, while ex-VFL defender Brody Mihocek is on the borderline.
CARLTON
The draft’s No. 3 pick Paddy Dow, fresh off a contract extension, should debut against the Tigers while No. 10 pick Lochie O’Brien will get games early if not on Thursday.
ESSENDON
No kids on the radar early, but the three recycled recruits Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad will all play Round 1.
FREMANTLE
No. 2 pick Andrew Brayshaw and rookie Bailey Banfield will get the nod, according to Ross Lyon, with both hard-tackling players in the Fremantle mould.
GEELONG
Tim Kelly will debut given his mature body, while all of Charlie Constable, Gryan Miers and Lachlan Fogarty have shown they fit in at the level.
Fogarty missed JLT2 with a head knock but must be some chance for Round 1.
GOLD COAST
No draftee ready for Round 1 yet, with recruits Aaron Young, Lachie Weller and Nick Holman all in line for their first game in Gold Coast colours.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Pressuring forward Zac Langdon, 22, has already been earmarked for a Round 1 game against the Bulldogs after strong JLT form. He overcame a shoulder injury in the JLT to keep his hopes alive.
HAWTHORN
Plenty of kids blooded last year but apart from ex-Port dasher Jarman Impey, who escaped suspension for a headbutt, no new kids on show.
MELBOURNE
Casey Demons recruit Bayley Fritsch is locked in a battle with the likes of Tom Bugg and Mitch Hannan for the final spot in the front six.
NORTH MELBOURNE
No. 4 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke, who looks accomplished at the level, will make his AFL debut. Billy Hartung will play as a recycled player.
PORT ADELAIDE
Plenty of new faces from Port Adelaide’s recycled recruits like Jack Watts and Tom Rockliff but potential Round 1 youngsters like Joe Atley made 2017 debuts.
RICHMOND
Richmond’s first pick from last year in Jack Higgins won’t play Round 1 but isn’t far away. Callum Moore (two AFL games) and Shai Bolton (six games) are the youngsters pushing hard.
ST KILDA
Lock in both of Hunter Clark (last year’s pick 7) and Nick Coffield (pick 8) for Round 1 debuts given their poise and encouraging JLT form. Rowan Marshall (one 2017 game) a chance early.
SYDNEY
Cal Sinclair’s imminent return from an ankle injury might tip Darcy Cameron out of the Round 1 side but he should debut early. Athletic forward Tom McCartin won’t play Round 1 but has impressed.
WEST COAST
Adam Simpson says all of forwards Liam Ryan, Willie Rioli, Daniel Venables and Jake Waterman are a chance to play against Sydney next week.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Aaron Naughton is a lock after impressing as an intercept defender after being taken at pick 9 by the Dogs last year.
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