I was thinking that a few weeks ago. The Draft sort of looks flat - not in a down way - but "even" I guess is the better word. There's guys like Binns, Long, Hagen and any number of others that are quite interesting. I even read today Szybowski slipping out of the top 20 ! Doubt it but would be great for us if he did.
A name that keeps coming up when I'm talking to people is Olli Hotton. If it weren't for his size (181) they reckon he'd be top 10 easy. Another is Jack O'Sullivan at Oakleigh/Xavier. Lot of injuries and again, size counts against him (177). Generally plays mid with Xavier but he can play small forward very effectively and is tough, and skilled. Xavier coaches love him (as they all do I guess). He plays for VC despite playing with the Chargers because he's from Kyneton.
And finally, another I keep hearing about from people regionally, is Hollands. Just does not stop working during a game. You saw that during the Championships. Lot more dedicated than his brother (thankfully). Runs both ways. Big tank. Good contested ball winner. I hear we have spoken to him a few times abut again, if we don't have a first rounder its hard to see us getting to him.
I still think we might take a tall in the second round ,l really like Lewis Hayes ,the way he reads the play is really elite ,he puts himself into the intercept position nearly as soon as the balls kicked ,does need to build up,,l still think he could be a good forward .
I reckon if Ezys man Hagan was taller (he's 175cm) they would be saying maybe top 10,his champs were really good,he's playing good football in the WAFL seniors .
I could go on and on about quite a few ,l hope someone late in the 1st round bids on the Davey brothers ,really stitch up the bumbers ,and then you have the lions who will want picks for Ashcroft and Fletcher,it will be a big trade week this year .
Lewis Hayes
Defender, VIC
Age: 12/12/04
Weight: 81kg
Height: 197cm
Club: Vic Metro/Eastern Ranges/Lysterfield/Rowville Secondary College
2022 National Champs 101 ranking points, 15.7 disposals, 5.3 rebound 50s, 5 marks, 3.7 intercept marks, 7.3 intercept possessions, 1.7 tackles (three games)
A tall intercepting defender, Hayes hit some red-hot form at the right time of year during the national championships. A finger injury on the eve of Round 1 meant he had a slow start to the NAB League season, but AFL clubs had kept a close eye on him over the past two years and were excited by what they saw when Hayes lined up for Vic Metro. The younger brother of Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes, he was particularly impressive against Western Australia in Vic Metro’s second game, when he logged 19 disposals, five marks, eight rebound 50s and six intercepts. Hayes has good endurance, is a strong mark above his head and reads the ball well.
Kobe Ryan
Midfielder, SA
Age: 17/2/2004
Weight: 72kg
Height: 182cm
Club: West Adelaide/Plympton
2022 SANFL U18s 168 ranking points, 30.7 disposals, 13.5 contested possessions, 9.5 score involvements.
2022 National Champs 107 ranking points, 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 4.3 clearances
Ryan tallied 21 disposals and two goals in a senior debut West Adelaide coach Brad Gotch described as “special” to confirm his place as one of SA’s premier talents. As a bottom-ager, he ranked third Champion Data ranking points (129) and fifth for disposals (27.9) at under-18 level. This season, he is No. 1 in both key areas. Slightly-built, but smart and tough, Ryan is a genuine all-round midfielder, who is clean at the contest and damaging when he finds space forward of centre, as he showed at national level. Recruiters loves versatility and the well-credentialed teenager has also featured across half-back during a standout junior career. Was a surprise omission from the national combine invite list, but will test in front of recruiters at the SA state combine instead.
Jed Hagan
Forward/midfielder, WA
Age: 15/10/2004
Weight: 73kg
Height: 175cm
Club: East Fremantle/Brigades
2022 National Champs104 ranking points, 17.0 disposals, 5.7 marks, 1.3 goals
2022 WAFL85 ranking points, 13.0 disposals, 7.0 score involvements, 1.7 goals
Hagan has excelled at all levels this season, with the diminutive prospect rewarded with a promotion to East Fremantle’s senior side. He has shone in three games for the Royals, finishing with 20 disposals, 12 score involvements, seven tackles, two goals and 117 ranking points on debut. He also slotted three majors along with 12 disposals and six tackles in his third match, and finished with 97 ranking points against Collingwood’s VFL side for the national academy, illustrating that his form stacks up against men. Hagan has a strong footy IQ, uses the ball well by foot and gets in the right spots when up forward. The 174cm prospect was the No.1 ranked player for Western Australia at the national championships.