Hawthorn Hawks Selections:
Selection #6 Will Phillips
22/05/2002|180cm/80kg|Inside Midfielder
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Elite. Consistency: Elite. Ceiling: Above Average. Speed: Above Average. Agility: Above Average. Endurance: Above Average. Vertical: Average.
Will Phillips is hardly the player you would expect to put forward a flashy highlight reel, but everything he does in a pure footballing sense is nothing short of elite. The stoppages are where he shines, able to extract the ball at will and accumulate possessions at a tireless rate each game. Phillips’ contested acumen is top notch, as he so often finds a way to be first to the ball and gather it cleanly under duress.
His one-touch ability is key to much of his success, while clean disposals on the exit of congestion put his side right on the front foot. He also competes defensively, laying strong tackles and cutting across his opponents to effect timely smothers. As a midfielder, Phillips does just about everything you could ask for at the contest. At 180cm, some would question Phillips’ ability to translate such inside prominence at AFL level. He cuts a thick figure though, strong through the legs and core. As far as improvements go, we enter the realm of nit-picking when it comes to such high-level talents as Phillips. During preseason, the man himself said he wanted to improve on attending as many contests as possible, hinting at expanding his running capacity in order to do so. Looking further at versatility and balance, while Phillips has cut his teeth on both sides of midfield thus far, some may also want to see how he fares on other lines. His scoreboard impact on paper is not overly impressive (three goals in 10 games last year), but Phillips certainly knows how to find the goals once given the opportunity. As he has shown in big games and showcase fixtures, Phillips’ finishing is indicative of his overall class. As the clear number one pure midfield option in this year’s draft, Phillips looks likely to be taken within the top five picks.
Selection #27 Kaine Baldwin
30/05/2002|193cm/90kg|KEY POSITION FORWARD
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Above Average. Consistency: Below Average. Ceiling: Above Average. Speed: Average. Agility: Average. Endurance: Above Average. Vertical: Average.
One of the hard luck stories out of this year’s potential draft crop is Kaine Baldwin, a talent with first round potential who has been sidelined for two years due to repeat long-term knee injuries. The high-marking forward burst onto the scene having played an integral role in South Australia’s 2018 Under 16 National Championships triumph. He earned a Reserves berth to kick off the 2019 season, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. After a successful recovery and preseason testing stint in 2020, the youngster
again partially tore the same ligament as his knee buckled in a tackle during a trial game on the eve of his top-age campaign.
Based on the limited vision and gametime attached to Baldwin, there is still a fair bit to unpack about how he plays.
Although he measures up at slightly under the true key position height (193cm), the Glenelg product plays much like a modern day centre half-forward. While some of his most eye-catching plays occur as he crashes packs and clunks big marks closer to goal, Baldwin is also capable of floating further afield and racking up plenty of possessions as a key link into forward 50. The way in which he attacks the ball in flight and holds onto contested marks with his vice-like grip is truly special, making him one of the top pure markers among his peers – if not the best. A knock on that kind of progress further afield could also be his speed and agility after two long-term knee injuries, the pace and pressure of AFL level will likely heighten anything lacking in that department. It would have been handy to properly gauge his true ability in those areas, and just how much he has improved. But Baldwin could be a surprise packet out of this draft yet,
and turn his hard luck story into a feel-good one.
Selection #43 Josh Eyre
24/10/2002|198cm/85kg|KEY FORWARD/TALL UTILITY
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Average. Consistency: Below Average. Ceiling: Above Average. Speed: Elite. Agility: Average. Endurance: Above Average. Vertical: Elite.
Joshua Eyre came seemingly out of nowhere last year, working into the Calder Cannons’ NAB League side in Round
9 and becoming a mainstay for the team; playing back and forward, before settling in attack. Eyre struggled with hamstring issues at the start of the year so unfortunately missed any chance of running out in the pre-season games and getting to play centre half-forward full-time. The other issue was that it effected his pre-season testing, which didn’t truly effect his outstanding athleticism. The more recent Draft Combine really put his name in the spotlight; with an impressive 2.89-second time in the 20m sprint which is outstanding for a player of 198cm, and a 2km time of 6:31 which also showcased his impressive endurance. Eyre showed impressive prowess overhead in 2019, taking some very nice aerial marks. The ball will often stick to his hands like glue when he does attack the ball in the air and with his combination of speed, height and vertical leap, he could really prove a handful overhead. Eyre’s long kicking is also a feature as he gets a lot of length on his left leg, able to kick goals from long distance and potentially hit up long targets across the ground. He isn’t just a long kick, but also an accurate one with a nice kicking style both in a set shot and on the run. At 198cm and 85kg, Eyre is still rather light and under-developed so will take some time to be ready to play at the next level. He is certainly a long-term project so don’t expect him to immediately make massive waves at the next level. With that low production and long-term thinking, Eyre could be a risk to clubs bidding on him early and with no form to go off in 2020, it makes it even harder. Although, the recent combine results certainly help Eyre’s draft chances.
Selection #44 Ryan Angwin
12/12/2002|184cm/72kg|BALANCED MIDFIELDER
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Average. Consistency: Average. Ceiling: Elite. Speed: Above Average. Agility: Above Average. Endurance: Elite. Vertical: Above Average.
Ryan Angwin was a consistent performer for Gippsland Power in his bottom-age year, not needing to do too much each game to catch the eye, and was one of those players that is able to compete above his weight range. Standing at 184cm and just 72kg, Angwin is certainly lightly built, but shares some similarities with former Gippsland Power captain, Xavier Duursma. Like the now Port Adelaide youngster, Angwin does not have a lot of strength, but he still wins plenty of contested ball, often showing great courage in the air or at ground level. Angwin has an elite endurance base, showing it off with his remarkable 6:11 2km time trial, which was among the top five fastest recorded time at the AFL Draft Combines across the country. Adding in his three-second 20m sprint and 80cm running vertical leap, Angwin has enough athleticism to suggest that area will not hold him back in the future. One would expect that regardless of how much size he puts on, Angwin will predominantly play as an outside midfielder who can pinch-hit inside, with his work rate up and down the ground impressive. If Angwin can continue to build his strength and improve his ball-winning abilities, then he has the contested numbers and impact to suggest he can have a consistent output. He is not afraid to receive contact from bigger opponents, and can pull down some strong grabs, averaging 2.6 marks. Angwin is quite raw at this stage, so is expected to land later in the draft. However, given his natural ability, upside and athleticism, it would also not be a surprise to see him plucked out as early as the second round. He is the definition of a long-term prospect, but one who will be worth the wait, as there are not many 72kg players who can win 48 per cent of their touches in contested situations.
Selection #45 Jack Ginnivan
09/12/2002|183cm/77kg|MEDIUM FORWARD/MIDFIELDER
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Above Average. Consistency: Average. Ceiling: Elite. Speed: Average. Agility: Elite. Endurance: Average. Vertical: Average.
Jack Ginnivan is a player who screams upside and potential, and is one that would be a polarising figure in terms of draft boards. On one hand, the Bendigo Pioneers’ talent has all the traits to make it at the top level, but on the other hand, he still has areas that will need to be improved upon to be a success at the next step. The term ‘natural footballer’ gets thrown around from time to time, and it is fair to say that Ginnivan fits the mould. Unfortunately Ginnivan was unable to improve that aspect of his game with his midfield development. That, along with his defensive pressure are marked as areas of improvement, given the talented forward is so damaging with the ball, but could improve his work without it. He has natural evasion abilities, and he loves to take the game on. Using the ball well by hand or foot - he ran at 69.4 per cent efficiency - Ginnivan is not afraid to win his own touches at the same time, having to collect the pill in contested situations at a rate of 45.4 per cent. Ginnivan’s high footy IQ and goal sense are traits which fans would love to come and watch, and he has that ability to take the game on and create something out of nothing in the forward half. It would have been beneficial for him to spend more time up the ground this year to broaden his ability, and while his vertical leap is an area of improvement too, it does not hinder the way he plays. When a player has the capability of winning the ball as consistently as Ginnivan does while also influencing the scoreboard, he has shown he can have a big say on game day. Ginnivan is rated in the mid-draft region, outside the more consistent first round picks, but in the next log-jam of players.
Selection #65 Charlie Lazzaro
25/03/2002|179cm/73kg|INSIDE MIDFIELDER/SMALL FORWARD
Disposal: Average. Contested: Elite. Consistency: Above Average. Ceiling: Average. Speed: Above Average. Agility: Elite. Endurance: Elite. Vertical: Above Average.
Charlie Lazzaro is a strong inside midfielder with a nice blend of agility and endurance that really shone in his bottom-age year for Geelong Falcons last season. Lazzaro has multiple elements about his game on his side, but his greatest strength is his inside ability. He can win the contested ball and lay plenty of tackles, whilst having the athleticism to get himself out of trouble. Not a natural straight-line burst runner of sorts – reflected in his 3.10-second 20m sprint preseason testing result – he boasts an elite change of direction, recording a mind-boggling 7.79 seconds on the agility test. He also has top-level endurance which sees him run out games, and between the two, his power running and side-stepping ability enables him to cause plenty of headaches for opponents and would-be tacklers. For a bottom-ager, Lazzaro had no trouble adapting to the speed of NAB League football, averaging 20 disposals across eight games, whilst also averaging 4.1 clearances, 4.1 tackles, and running at 45.8 per cent contested rate. As an inside prospect Lazzaro is well balanced across the traits he needs, with the major question mark coming on his versatility, which is something he had hoped to improve in season 2020. One unquestionable trait that has nothing to do with his on-field ability is his natural leadership and character. Without a doubt, Lazzaro is one of the most switched-on and well-spoken players going around. Lazzaro has a good blend of traits and whilst he could increase his speed a touch, it is not a major factor due to his high-level agility. Lazzaro certainly deserves the opportunity at the top level and being the character he is, it is unlikely he will ever let anyone down through lack of effort.
Credit: Draft Central's 2020 AFL Draft Guide; https://adzeemedia.us5.list-manage....8d3732b3061c9c35e6&id=2ea5ef0688&e=f8907cea5d
Selection #6 Will Phillips
22/05/2002|180cm/80kg|Inside Midfielder
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Elite. Consistency: Elite. Ceiling: Above Average. Speed: Above Average. Agility: Above Average. Endurance: Above Average. Vertical: Average.
Will Phillips is hardly the player you would expect to put forward a flashy highlight reel, but everything he does in a pure footballing sense is nothing short of elite. The stoppages are where he shines, able to extract the ball at will and accumulate possessions at a tireless rate each game. Phillips’ contested acumen is top notch, as he so often finds a way to be first to the ball and gather it cleanly under duress.
His one-touch ability is key to much of his success, while clean disposals on the exit of congestion put his side right on the front foot. He also competes defensively, laying strong tackles and cutting across his opponents to effect timely smothers. As a midfielder, Phillips does just about everything you could ask for at the contest. At 180cm, some would question Phillips’ ability to translate such inside prominence at AFL level. He cuts a thick figure though, strong through the legs and core. As far as improvements go, we enter the realm of nit-picking when it comes to such high-level talents as Phillips. During preseason, the man himself said he wanted to improve on attending as many contests as possible, hinting at expanding his running capacity in order to do so. Looking further at versatility and balance, while Phillips has cut his teeth on both sides of midfield thus far, some may also want to see how he fares on other lines. His scoreboard impact on paper is not overly impressive (three goals in 10 games last year), but Phillips certainly knows how to find the goals once given the opportunity. As he has shown in big games and showcase fixtures, Phillips’ finishing is indicative of his overall class. As the clear number one pure midfield option in this year’s draft, Phillips looks likely to be taken within the top five picks.
Selection #27 Kaine Baldwin
30/05/2002|193cm/90kg|KEY POSITION FORWARD
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Above Average. Consistency: Below Average. Ceiling: Above Average. Speed: Average. Agility: Average. Endurance: Above Average. Vertical: Average.
One of the hard luck stories out of this year’s potential draft crop is Kaine Baldwin, a talent with first round potential who has been sidelined for two years due to repeat long-term knee injuries. The high-marking forward burst onto the scene having played an integral role in South Australia’s 2018 Under 16 National Championships triumph. He earned a Reserves berth to kick off the 2019 season, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. After a successful recovery and preseason testing stint in 2020, the youngster
again partially tore the same ligament as his knee buckled in a tackle during a trial game on the eve of his top-age campaign.
Based on the limited vision and gametime attached to Baldwin, there is still a fair bit to unpack about how he plays.
Although he measures up at slightly under the true key position height (193cm), the Glenelg product plays much like a modern day centre half-forward. While some of his most eye-catching plays occur as he crashes packs and clunks big marks closer to goal, Baldwin is also capable of floating further afield and racking up plenty of possessions as a key link into forward 50. The way in which he attacks the ball in flight and holds onto contested marks with his vice-like grip is truly special, making him one of the top pure markers among his peers – if not the best. A knock on that kind of progress further afield could also be his speed and agility after two long-term knee injuries, the pace and pressure of AFL level will likely heighten anything lacking in that department. It would have been handy to properly gauge his true ability in those areas, and just how much he has improved. But Baldwin could be a surprise packet out of this draft yet,
and turn his hard luck story into a feel-good one.
Selection #43 Josh Eyre
24/10/2002|198cm/85kg|KEY FORWARD/TALL UTILITY
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Average. Consistency: Below Average. Ceiling: Above Average. Speed: Elite. Agility: Average. Endurance: Above Average. Vertical: Elite.
Joshua Eyre came seemingly out of nowhere last year, working into the Calder Cannons’ NAB League side in Round
9 and becoming a mainstay for the team; playing back and forward, before settling in attack. Eyre struggled with hamstring issues at the start of the year so unfortunately missed any chance of running out in the pre-season games and getting to play centre half-forward full-time. The other issue was that it effected his pre-season testing, which didn’t truly effect his outstanding athleticism. The more recent Draft Combine really put his name in the spotlight; with an impressive 2.89-second time in the 20m sprint which is outstanding for a player of 198cm, and a 2km time of 6:31 which also showcased his impressive endurance. Eyre showed impressive prowess overhead in 2019, taking some very nice aerial marks. The ball will often stick to his hands like glue when he does attack the ball in the air and with his combination of speed, height and vertical leap, he could really prove a handful overhead. Eyre’s long kicking is also a feature as he gets a lot of length on his left leg, able to kick goals from long distance and potentially hit up long targets across the ground. He isn’t just a long kick, but also an accurate one with a nice kicking style both in a set shot and on the run. At 198cm and 85kg, Eyre is still rather light and under-developed so will take some time to be ready to play at the next level. He is certainly a long-term project so don’t expect him to immediately make massive waves at the next level. With that low production and long-term thinking, Eyre could be a risk to clubs bidding on him early and with no form to go off in 2020, it makes it even harder. Although, the recent combine results certainly help Eyre’s draft chances.
Selection #44 Ryan Angwin
12/12/2002|184cm/72kg|BALANCED MIDFIELDER
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Average. Consistency: Average. Ceiling: Elite. Speed: Above Average. Agility: Above Average. Endurance: Elite. Vertical: Above Average.
Ryan Angwin was a consistent performer for Gippsland Power in his bottom-age year, not needing to do too much each game to catch the eye, and was one of those players that is able to compete above his weight range. Standing at 184cm and just 72kg, Angwin is certainly lightly built, but shares some similarities with former Gippsland Power captain, Xavier Duursma. Like the now Port Adelaide youngster, Angwin does not have a lot of strength, but he still wins plenty of contested ball, often showing great courage in the air or at ground level. Angwin has an elite endurance base, showing it off with his remarkable 6:11 2km time trial, which was among the top five fastest recorded time at the AFL Draft Combines across the country. Adding in his three-second 20m sprint and 80cm running vertical leap, Angwin has enough athleticism to suggest that area will not hold him back in the future. One would expect that regardless of how much size he puts on, Angwin will predominantly play as an outside midfielder who can pinch-hit inside, with his work rate up and down the ground impressive. If Angwin can continue to build his strength and improve his ball-winning abilities, then he has the contested numbers and impact to suggest he can have a consistent output. He is not afraid to receive contact from bigger opponents, and can pull down some strong grabs, averaging 2.6 marks. Angwin is quite raw at this stage, so is expected to land later in the draft. However, given his natural ability, upside and athleticism, it would also not be a surprise to see him plucked out as early as the second round. He is the definition of a long-term prospect, but one who will be worth the wait, as there are not many 72kg players who can win 48 per cent of their touches in contested situations.
Selection #45 Jack Ginnivan
09/12/2002|183cm/77kg|MEDIUM FORWARD/MIDFIELDER
Disposal: Above Average. Contested: Above Average. Consistency: Average. Ceiling: Elite. Speed: Average. Agility: Elite. Endurance: Average. Vertical: Average.
Jack Ginnivan is a player who screams upside and potential, and is one that would be a polarising figure in terms of draft boards. On one hand, the Bendigo Pioneers’ talent has all the traits to make it at the top level, but on the other hand, he still has areas that will need to be improved upon to be a success at the next step. The term ‘natural footballer’ gets thrown around from time to time, and it is fair to say that Ginnivan fits the mould. Unfortunately Ginnivan was unable to improve that aspect of his game with his midfield development. That, along with his defensive pressure are marked as areas of improvement, given the talented forward is so damaging with the ball, but could improve his work without it. He has natural evasion abilities, and he loves to take the game on. Using the ball well by hand or foot - he ran at 69.4 per cent efficiency - Ginnivan is not afraid to win his own touches at the same time, having to collect the pill in contested situations at a rate of 45.4 per cent. Ginnivan’s high footy IQ and goal sense are traits which fans would love to come and watch, and he has that ability to take the game on and create something out of nothing in the forward half. It would have been beneficial for him to spend more time up the ground this year to broaden his ability, and while his vertical leap is an area of improvement too, it does not hinder the way he plays. When a player has the capability of winning the ball as consistently as Ginnivan does while also influencing the scoreboard, he has shown he can have a big say on game day. Ginnivan is rated in the mid-draft region, outside the more consistent first round picks, but in the next log-jam of players.
Selection #65 Charlie Lazzaro
25/03/2002|179cm/73kg|INSIDE MIDFIELDER/SMALL FORWARD
Disposal: Average. Contested: Elite. Consistency: Above Average. Ceiling: Average. Speed: Above Average. Agility: Elite. Endurance: Elite. Vertical: Above Average.
Charlie Lazzaro is a strong inside midfielder with a nice blend of agility and endurance that really shone in his bottom-age year for Geelong Falcons last season. Lazzaro has multiple elements about his game on his side, but his greatest strength is his inside ability. He can win the contested ball and lay plenty of tackles, whilst having the athleticism to get himself out of trouble. Not a natural straight-line burst runner of sorts – reflected in his 3.10-second 20m sprint preseason testing result – he boasts an elite change of direction, recording a mind-boggling 7.79 seconds on the agility test. He also has top-level endurance which sees him run out games, and between the two, his power running and side-stepping ability enables him to cause plenty of headaches for opponents and would-be tacklers. For a bottom-ager, Lazzaro had no trouble adapting to the speed of NAB League football, averaging 20 disposals across eight games, whilst also averaging 4.1 clearances, 4.1 tackles, and running at 45.8 per cent contested rate. As an inside prospect Lazzaro is well balanced across the traits he needs, with the major question mark coming on his versatility, which is something he had hoped to improve in season 2020. One unquestionable trait that has nothing to do with his on-field ability is his natural leadership and character. Without a doubt, Lazzaro is one of the most switched-on and well-spoken players going around. Lazzaro has a good blend of traits and whilst he could increase his speed a touch, it is not a major factor due to his high-level agility. Lazzaro certainly deserves the opportunity at the top level and being the character he is, it is unlikely he will ever let anyone down through lack of effort.
Credit: Draft Central's 2020 AFL Draft Guide; https://adzeemedia.us5.list-manage....8d3732b3061c9c35e6&id=2ea5ef0688&e=f8907cea5d