2022 Draft Thread

[momentai]

Guys, I've been on this site for three months screaming about grabbing a tall forward, I've laid out a plan for this entire period, I haven't deviated once, I've mentioned numerous times Keeler was the slider, I mentioned numerous times there were 4-5 tall forwards in that 30-50 range, I've put the list up at least 10 times. I've picked a forward in the mock draft (2 just to ram home my point) and now I'm being a hindsight charlatan. Vintage PRE, following the same pattern as every year, can't cope with anything other than the club line.

Let me put it to you another way. If Hewitt goes early I take Jefferson & Hotton, a mid & a forward, it's probably still Keeler in the third much like the PRE draft (2 forwards). I struggle to see how this is so controversial, particularly when I've outlined my strategy prior to the draft. I was even asked the player I was picking in REAL TIME, go back over the comments if you must.

As for Mitchell, he was the player I focused on because he didn't interfere with our existing picks, that was the fundamental reason I preferenced him over Hopper. Now you blokes are rewriting the script & turning a salary cap dump into some highly valuable commodity which prevents me from taking the tall I've structured my whole strategy around. That's just lame revisionism & hints that some of you are concerned I've managed to secure a decent draft haul.

But you are correct, enough talk, I know my cues, I'll see you blokes next year, I'll drop in when the season concludes, hopefully we've got a premiership but if not, we'll be discussing the future first you've all happily parted with.

Bully while I agree with much of what you have argued, overall I am happy with what we have achieved in bringing in new payers.

Hopper and Taranto fill an obvious deficiency in our midfield and our staff saw getting them in as an absolute priority, and paid up.

We also now have a group of young talls (Balta, Bauer, Gibcus, Miller, Nyuon and Young) who are all quick and who imo seem likely to finish up excelling as either key forwards, or key defenders. We don’t know where yet!

In Colina and Ryan we also have two young giant ruck/forwards who could be anything. Soldo coming back from a serious injury (inflicted by Hawkins) will also be a much better player.

Soldo apart, all of the above are still in their early 20’s and importantly have all progressed while at Punt road.

So I think missing out on another tall in the 2nd or 3rd round in what was a weak draft, should not be a concern.

While I was in total agreement with you on always keeping our future 1st, we have done pretty well.
(Have to assume our team tried other strategies which included Soldo and possibly Graham but couldn’t get it done - without the future pick).

Thanks again for your efforts and hope we don’t have to wait until the next draft period, before we hear from you again.

 

[bullus_hit]

The fact the Crows didn't bother to list him as a freebie after 40, have all the intel, all the inside running on his character and attitude to being a professional and saying, "NOPE" tells me so much.

Same arguments were used against Bailey Williams, he's now just starting to reap the rewards, I think making a call about professionalism with teenagers is like reading tea leaves. There's some who come with an ironclad guarantee, there's some who look shiny and then fall by the wayside & there's some who evolve over time. At pick 35 it would have been a well weighted risk with significant upside. From my observations without knowing the full details at the Crows, he tends to coast a bit, probably due to being such a precocious talent over his entire football career. His intensity at times is second rate but his form in finals this year was decent, definitely something to work with. I think he stands a fair chance to follow a similar path to Chol, probably needs 4 years of TLC but beyond that will mature into a very handy footballer.

 

[bullus_hit]

Bully while I agree with much of what you have argued, overall I am happy with what we have achieved in bringing in new payers.

Hopper and Taranto fill an obvious deficiency in our midfield and our staff saw getting them in as an absolute priority, and paid up.

We also now have a group of young talls (Balta, Bauer, Gibcus, Miller, Nyuon and Young) who are all quick and who imo seem likely to finish up excelling as either key forwards, or key defenders. We don’t know where yet!

In Colina and Ryan we also have two young giant ruck/forwards who could be anything. Soldo coming back from a serious injury (inflicted by Hawkins) will also be a much better player.

Soldo apart, all of the above are still in their early 20’s and importantly have all progressed while at Punt road.

So I think missing out on another tall in the 2nd or 3rd round in what was a weak draft, should not be a concern.

While I was in total agreement with you on always keeping our future 1st, we have done pretty well.
(Have to assume our team tried other strategies which included Soldo and possibly Graham but couldn’t get it done - without the future pick).

Thanks again for your efforts and hope we don’t have to wait until the next draft period, before we hear from you again.

It could go either way but I'm backing myself with the draftees, Taranto will do well enough, maybe not for 7 years though, ditto Hopper who still comes with some injury question marks. For a tilt at a premiership in 2023 fair play but I daresay if we stumble a bit, perhaps due to injury, then our sacrificed first rounder may come back to bite. If it's a top 10 pick then it will sting, high stakes but I still hope we hit the top 4. For me that will be success because I know there's many forces at play once you get to that stage. I won't even be critical if we finish 4th, however anything below that will be below expectations.

 

[Scoop]

Bailey Williams has shown very little so far Bully. One game of 20 positions in a 15-goal loss isn't a turning point. Nor is he someone who you can justify Keeler with. And interestingly the Eagles took Harry Barnett in the draft this year.

 

[Tig3]

It could go either way but I'm backing myself with the draftees, Taranto will do well enough, maybe not for 7 years though, ditto Hopper who still comes with some injury question marks. For a tilt at a premiership in 2023 fair play but I daresay if we stumble a bit, perhaps due to injury, then our sacrificed first rounder may come back to bite. If it's a top 10 pick then it will sting, high stakes but I still hope we hit the top 4. For me that will be success because I know there's many forces at play once you get to that stage. I won't even be critical if we finish 4th, however anything below that will be below expectations.

Facts are Prestia and Lynch also came across having missed the bulk of that current season where we traded for them (or acquired through FA) due to knee injuries, the media questioned them at the time and they've turned out pretty damn well, regardless of their injury issues over the last few years. But i'm sure the club wouldn't change a thing RE those two coming across

 

[bullus_hit]

Bailey Williams has shown very little so far Bully. One game of 20 positions in a 15-goal loss isn't a turning point. Nor is he someone who you can justify Keeler with. And interestingly the Eagles took Harry Barnett in the draft this year.

Williams probably isn't a first ruck & Naitanui is near the end, that looks like a deliberate plan to get a full-timer in the centre square. But my point about Williams is a poignant reminder that a few indiscretions as a kid shouldn't necessarily have long term ramifications. Williams probably stays in the AFL system until he hits 30, his 25 disposal game was against the Cats & he also regularly knocked up double digit possessions in the back half of the season. What these numbers tell me is he can run out a game of AFL football, therefore the calls of unprofessionalism were premature. Keeler has even more natural talent than Williams, plenty of upside if he gets his house in order.

 

[Scoop]

Williams probably isn't a first ruck & Naitanui is near the end, that looks like a deliberate plan to get a full-timer in the centre square. But my point about Williams is a poignant reminder that a few indiscretions as a kid shouldn't necessarily have long term ramifications. Williams probably stays in the AFL system until he hits 30, his 25 disposal game was against the Cats & he also regularly knocked up double digit possessions in the back half of the season. What these numbers tell me is he can run out a game of AFL football, therefore the calls of unprofessionalism were premature. Keeler has even more natural talent than Williams, plenty of upside if he gets his house in order.

Bully he averaged 9 touches for the year. His last 10 games went 5,5,8,6,11,10,18, 6, 5 ,25.

If we ever get a sandwich together, it won't need mayo, you bring plenty of that old chap.

 

[bullus_hit]

Bully he averaged 9 touches for the year. His last 10 games went 5,5,8,6,11,10,18, 6, 5 ,25.

If we ever get a sandwich together, it won't need mayo, you bring plenty of that old chap.

That's a very simplistic analysis.

* 25 disposals versus reigning premier
* 10 clearances versus Saints
* averaged 5 clearances in his last 6 games
* averaged 12.5 disposals in his last 6 games

He's trending up, he's a great player to be playing in tandem with a guy like Barnett, players like this rarely lose value. He may never be a superstar but I recall many on here writing him off as recently as last year. He's 22 now, I expect next year will see him edge closer to full potential.

 

[eZyT]

That's a very simplistic analysis.

I think thats the new normal?

Cant comment on the bloke in question,

But Im big on upward trends and opposition quality

 

[turk-d-tiger]

That's the knock but talls can be hot and cold, I think he carries equal risk when compared to Jefferson, both come with some question marks but the big difference is one is a first rounder & one is a third, most of the risk now leveraged late in the draft. Being a ruck height also means there are two avenues for an AFL career, this is another example of mitigating some element of risk when selecting a tall.

I think Hewett's risk has also been overstated due to some carefully crafted negative publicity, I think he will surprise many.

Dont get me wrong and I really would have liked Keeler at Richmond because of his upside and being a desperate list need for the Tigers but a few things that makes me think are

* Adelaide decided not to nominate him
* Rumours surrounding his work ethic and his dedication
* Port passed on him at pick #36 and selected Tom McCallum but still selected Scully at pick #53
* Adelaide traded in a pick #40 and still didnt select their academy kid (even at that pick)
* St Kilda only selected Keeler with their last pick

For such a talented and athletic big man for him to be over looked so much does leave me asking whats the issue ?
Would Richmond have even selected Keeler if available at our 1st selection ? Im thinking perhaps we wouldnt

 

[bullus_hit]

Dont get me wrong and I really would have liked Keeler at Richmond because of his upside and being a desperate list need for the Tigers but a few things that makes me think are

* Adelaide decided not to nominate him
* Rumours surrounding his work ethic and his dedication
* Port passed on him at pick #36 and selected Tom McCallum but still selected Scully at pick #53
* Adelaide traded in a pick #40 and still didnt select their academy kid (even at that pick)
* St Kilda only selected Keeler with their last pick

For such a talented and athletic big man for him to be over looked so much does leave me asking whats the issue ?
Would Richmond have even selected Keeler if available at our 1st selection ? Im thinking perhaps we wouldnt

If it's attitude it's fixable, that's my opinion, Keeler won't be the same person when he hits 22 years of age, up to the club to point him in the right direction. Looking at him physically he lacks definition, that suggests to me he would struggle with a heavy duty fitness regime from the get go, that needs to be phased in. He doesn't strike me as an egotist, maybe more introverted than anything, I get the sense he's cruised through life on talent alone, his height & skill set makes him an elite talent, I also don't think it will take him a long time to realise it's 90% hard work from here. Maybe he's a bust but these are the gambles you take. I think when sized up against Lemmey he has a myriad more ways of getting involved in the match, that gives him a better shot of succeeding in my view.

 

[craig]

Richard Taylor is the Adelaide guy, been there since Feb this year 2022.

Essendumb's which guy in the second pic below, is he in that room? Can't find a name, sorry

View attachment 17583


View attachment 17584

Dodo looking like the Cheshire Cat thinking he's winning draft night.

 

[TigerMasochist]

The fact the Crows didn't bother to list him as a freebie after 40, have all the intel, all the inside running on his character and attitude to being a professional and saying, "NOPE" tells me so much.

Dunno how good they are or might potentially get to be, but. Crowbaits got four young key forwards already in Fogarty, Tilthorpe, Himmelberg n Gollant. Could be that they simply didn't see the need for drafting another young KPF that's going to need three seasons in the system before he genuinely starts to stake a claim.
Could also be that they've had a decent look at him within the system n were somewhat underwhelmed.

 

[TigerMasochist]

For a tilt at a premiership in 2023 fair play but I daresay if we stumble a bit, perhaps due to injury, then our sacrificed first rounder may come back to bite.

Bloody always happy to read your work and your inputs bully, ya put plenty of effort in and argue your points well. Helps make PRE off season interesting n entertaining for the boof head fans like me.

Got a beef with this idea of somehow restricting Tarantino n Grasshopper as just being viable for a 2023 flag tilt as I've read often in the threads. These blokes are just arrived at their prime and will be core premium players for some years to come. It's not just midfield position they will be solidifying for us, it's also age demographic they will be bolstering.
If the only measure we use for their recruiting is winning next years flag, we do ourselves and the whole club a disservice. We've just recently banked three flags in a short period of time and it's always a possibility that we could go another thirty year period without even getting close to another one ( aaarrrgh noooooo ). From outside appearances, the club looks to have learned some harsh lessons over the years, and while I hate to say it. Are looking to use a similar methodology to the Moggies and Sydaknee to enable the club to constantly play finals and remain in flag contention year after year.
There's simply no way known that this can be done by using the draft alone, it's gotta be done by using a long term strategy of picking the eyes out of both draft and trade as needed. Draft alone is purely boom n bust cycle with prayers thrown in that no-one raids your early bust period picks just as your hoping to boom.

 

[fastin bulbous]

The fact the Crows didn't bother to list him as a freebie after 40, have all the intel, all the inside running on his character and attitude to being a professional and saying, "NOPE" tells me so much.

And going to st kilda won’t help with any behavioural issues if he does have them.

 

[craig]

Bailey Williams has shown very little so far Bully. One game of 20 positions in a 15-goal loss isn't a turning point.

Must've taken the kick ins that day

 

[bullus_hit]

Bloody always happy to read your work and your inputs bully, ya put plenty of effort in and argue your points well. Helps make PRE off season interesting n entertaining for the boof head fans like me.

Got a beef with this idea of somehow restricting Tarantino n Grasshopper as just being viable for a 2023 flag tilt as I've read often in the threads. These blokes are just arrived at their prime and will be core premium players for some years to come. It's not just midfield position they will be solidifying for us, it's also age demographic they will be bolstering.
If the only measure we use for their recruiting is winning next years flag, we do ourselves and the whole club a disservice. We've just recently banked three flags in a short period of time and it's always a possibility that we could go another thirty year period without even getting close to another one ( aaarrrgh noooooo ). From outside appearances, the club looks to have learned some harsh lessons over the years, and while I hate to say it. Are looking to use a similar methodology to the Moggies and Sydaknee to enable the club to constantly play finals and remain in flag contention year after year.
There's simply no way known that this can be done by using the draft alone, it's gotta be done by using a long term strategy of picking the eyes out of both draft and trade as needed. Draft alone is purely boom n bust cycle with prayers thrown in that no-one raids your early bust period picks just as your hoping to boom.

This is a tale of two intersecting graphs, one with Taranto & Hopper playing with an ageing list & another with four draftees entering the AFL and on a steep learning curve. The imports benefit most when the likes of Martin, Riewoldt & Cotchin are around, that could end as early as 2024, that's being realistic. These retirements will almost certainly occur if we stumble next year, the draft pick we have forfeited also becomes more likely to succeed the lower the finish next year. This is why 2023 is such a critical year. After the exodus Taranto & Hopper will also be spearheading the midfield, from my perspective neither is capable of being our marquee midfielder, we're still short one absolute top end talent.

 

[Jonesracing82]

This is a tale of two intersecting graphs, one with Taranto & Hopper playing with an ageing list & another with four draftees entering the AFL and on a steep learning curve. The imports benefit most when the likes of Martin, Riewoldt & Cotchin are around, that could end as early as 2024, that's being realistic. These retirements will almost certainly occur if we stumble next year, the draft pick we have forfeited also becomes more likely to succeed the lower the finish next year. This is why 2023 is such a critical year. After the exodus Taranto & Hopper will also be spearheading the midfield, from my perspective neither is capable of being our marquee midfielder, we're still short one absolute top end talent.

We could also look at it the other way, once those retirements hit who leads our future midfield if we didn't get them?

 

[bullus_hit]

We could also look at it the other way, once those retirements hit who leads our future midfield if we didn't get them?

Matt Johnson in 2021 was a potential midfield addition, Hewett in 2022, future first in 2023 could also go on a gun mid. That's a starting point, need to plant a few seeds and then see who rises to the top.

 

[eZyT]

* Adelaide decided not to nominate him

If a side doesnt nominate or take a kid out of an academy,

Dont mean theyre no good.

There can be a plethora of reasons; no list room, list profile needs, no picks, no picks where theyre rated, they want to give the kid the best chance to be drafted, the club has *smile* up, the club got it wrong, etc etc etc.

Noah cumberland says hi