Emma Quayle's Top 30
1 Isaac Heeney (Cardiff Hawks, 5/5/96, 186cm, 84kg)
Midfielder
The best player in it. An almost wrinkle-free midfielder: a hard, smart ball-winner who can take a mark and hits every contest with ferocity and force. Loves to physically take opponents on, and licks his lips when someone tries to do the same thing to him. Good skills, switched on off the field too, and a popular teammate who will be easy to coach.
2 Peter Wright (Calder Cannons, 8/9/96, 203cm, 100kg)
Tall forward/ruckman
Be patient, because Wright hasn't done a pre-season and might not make the immediate splash some of the onballers do. At his size, with his running ability and his growing understanding of how to use his body to get others out of the way, he has all the qualities to become the best player from this draft.
3 Christian Petracca (Eastern Ranges, 4/1/96, 186cm, 95kg)
Midfielder
A bold, bubbly personality who plays in the same, full-on way. Wants the footy, worked hard on his endurance and proved himself as a midfielder this year, one whose nous, foot skills and power makes him one of the most damaging players in the draft. As a bonus, can go forward and kick goals. Has a happy knack of saving them for big moments, too.
4 Paddy McCartin (Geelong Falcons, 19/4/96, 194cm, 96kg)
Tall forward
Paddy's season was interrupted by a string of niggling injuries. But when he played, he played with huge presence. A competitive, aggressive full-forward who wants the ball kicked to him and whose eyes light up when he gets the chance to bowl opponents over. Can clunk a mark and does, often. Will fit very easily into an AFL club.
5 Darcy Moore (Oakleigh Chargers, 25/1/96, 199cm, 91kg)
Swingman
A genuine both-ends player. He has quick feet, he's improved his kicking, he knows instinctively where the ball is going to go and if his pace isn't enough to get him right up against his opponent then his long arms will make sure he gets the spoil in or creates space to take a mark. Vibrant, likeable and extremely competitive.
6 Angus Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons, 9/1/96, 187cm, 91kg)
Midfielder
A midfielder with a real bit of brute: if the ball is anywhere near him he will more than likely be the one who gets it. Does a lot of the hard stuff but is a smart runner who knows where he needs to be, makes smart decisions and can finish with some polish. Not much to worry about with this one.
7 Jayden Laverde (Western Jets, 12/4/96, 189cm, 80kg)
Midfield utility
An artful, occasionally ingenious player who knows how to put on a show and is one of the more watchable players in the draft - the big mark, the sidestep, the running goal, the sense of when to take off with the ball. Has looked comfortable in most parts of the ground and is more an outside than inside player right now, but get him the ball and he'll do something good.
8 Liam Duggan (Western Jets, 11/12/96, 184cm, 75kg)
Midfielder
A neat, tidy, trustworthy left-footer who gets to good places, assesses what is going on around him and does the right thing more often than not and can keep running, which makes up for the split second of extra speed some others might have on him. Sometimes, watching his games back reveals detail and intricacies you didn't notice on first viewing. He won't let you down.
9 Paul Ahern (Calder Cannons, 1/8/96, 181cm, 82kg)
Midfielder
Ahern can make difficult things look easy, especially when it's busy and you're waiting for someone - anyone - to find a way out. Moves fluidly but for all his niftiness there's a direct, "this way to the goals" feel about the way he plays, be it in his ability to collect the ball off packs, link up or find a way home.
10 Nakia Cockatoo (NT Thunder, 23/10/96, 186cm, 86kg)
Midfielder
Mr Mystery, having played one exhibition game at the very end of the season after foot surgery and starred in it. Super quick, powerful and loves to snatch the ball up and burst off with it. Could have faded away but worked hard behind-the-scenes to get to the combine in amazing shape and remind everyone of his athleticism.
11 Jake Lever (Calder Cannons, 5/3/96, 193cm, 84kg)
Tall defender
A feisty defender who despises being beaten. Predicts play, helps teammates out, sets things up, takes off with the ball at the right times and has a real sense of control over what is going on around him. Has missed the year after a knee reconstruction, but rehabbed well. Doesn't need people to be watching in order to be a strong off-field leader.
12 Jack Steele (Belconnen, 13/12/95, 188cm, 86kg)
Midfielder
A bouncy, bounding player who is able to create momentum. Keeps his feet, isn't easily knocked off balance and if he gets tackled, finds ways to get either the ball or himself out of trouble. All those qualities help him win the ball when it's within reach, and hold onto marks when he goes forward.
13 Jarrod Pickett (South Fremantle, 3/5/96, 177cm, 75kg)
Midfielder
At his dynamic, proactive best, Pickett is one of the most entertaining players in this year's group. He can cover the ground, has real pace and knows that when he flicks it on there aren't many people who can catch him. When he makes things happen, they happen quickly and they're a lot of fun to watch.
14 Tom Lamb (Dandenong Stingrays, 19/10/96, 193cm, 84kg)
Tall utility
A unique, enigmatic player who can do things others can't. Instinctive, and an incredible runner. Combine that with his height and ability to play almost anywhere, and he has some sort of skill set. Had a patchy season but is a very hard trainer who asks a lot of himself and wants to get into a club and get started.
15 Jordan De Goey (Oakleigh Chargers, 15/3/96, 188cm, 85kg)
Midfield utility
Can find ways into games from almost any part of the ground, in a meaningful way. He'll do his time in the centre square, where he loves the one-on-one stuff, then go forward, find a mismatch, take a mark and kick a goal. Has a ruggedness about him, but at the same time makes sensible decisions and gets the ball into good spots.
16 Sam Durdin (West Adelaide, 6/6/96, 198cm, 88kg)
Swingman
Durdin didn't really settle into one spot this year, and has arguably played his best footy as a ruckman. More than capable of playing as a marking forward but has probably looked most comfortable at centre half-back given his size, speed and preparedness to compete, ruffle his opponents up and go for his marks.
17 Kyle Langford (Northern Knights, 1/12/96, 190cm, 76kg)
Tall utility
One of the most versatile players on offer, and quite unique. Tracks the ball well when he's defending and is able to sneak into good spots at the other end and get off the ground to mark. Can really move with the play - he gets in and around players, almost sliding down the ground - and may develop into a midfield option.
18 Corey Ellis (Western Jets, 9/10/96, 184cm, 74kg)
Midfielder
Ellis is an unobtrusive onballer, with a humble personality that follows him onto the field. There is a discipline, reliability and calmness about the way he plays; he's someone who will make the most of almost every chance that comes his way. When you kick the ball as well as he does, that's a very useful quality. He's very good, in almost every area.
19 Lachie Weller (Southport, 23/2/96, 182cm, 77kg)
Midfielder
Weller does most things well. An outside midfielder, he kicks the ball nicely, can take marks, scoop the ball up and take off with a bit of dash. If he's not placing the ball on someone's chest, he's every chance to be side-stepping someone, and kicking the goal himself. Professional - intensely so - and will adapt to an AFL environment easily.
20 Alex Neal-Bullen (Glenelg, 9/1/96, 182cm, 76kg)
Midfielder
A perceptive player, able to concentrate on more than one thing at once. He sets up play, keeps an eye out for others, understands what his teammates are meant to be doing and organises them accordingly. He's very good at wrenching the ball out of hot spots and getting it moving his team's way, and can keep running all day.
21 Dillon Viojo-Rainbow (Western Jets, 8/2/96, 184cm, 82kg)
Half-back/midfielder
There's the courage - Viojo-Rainbow isn't worried about shoving himself to the front of a (usually bigger) player, sticking his arms up and pulling in a mark. There's also the class - you could watch this guy kick left footers all day long. As a half-back, he can turn potentially bad times into good by getting the ball one good kick clear of trouble.
22 Clem Smith (Perth, 3/2/96, 177cm, 78kg)
Small defender
Boisterous small defender, a bundle of exuberance and energy who crashes, bashes, side steps, dodges and makes those around him think twice about going for the ball. Needs to increase his endurance and and had a patchy season, but can really impact a game. Will be a popular teammate from the get-go. Good fun to watch.
23 Hugh Goddard (Geelong Falcons, 24/8/96, 196cm, 94kg)
Swingman
Finished the year off well after an indifferent middle section and a busy season switching between teams. Has played both ends of the ground but arguably looks most comfortable as a defender given his ability to read the play, take marks and lock down, without getting too exposed for speed off the mark. One of the most professional players in it.
24 Liam Dawson (Aspley, 23/1/96, 189cm, 83kg)
Midfield utility
Dawson is inventive, a player who can create a bit of havoc wherever he's put. Running out of defence or through the middle he's willing to move with the ball, assessing options as he goes; playing forward he can bamboozle opponents, get into good spots, take marks and kick goals. Has speed, versatility and doesn't wait around for things to happen.
25 Jarrod Garlett (South Fremantle, 18/8/96, 180cm, 69kg)
Midfielder
A speed machine, with endurance to match. Fast, energetic and explosive. Garlett's year was particularly impressive given the niggling injuries that might have slowed him up; coming back into the WA state team he was able pick up where he left off more than once. He's a direct, attacking player with a huge work ethic and a lot of drive.
26 Connor Menadue (Western Jets, 19/9/96, 187cm, 69kg)
Midfielder
Menadue may take a little time, given he's so skinny. But you'd be investing in a proactive player who can carry the ball and who shows a willingness, despite his slight frame, to lay tackles. A generator, who can take marks through the midfield and whose many athletic traits (he's super quick, and can keep going) speak to his huge scope.
27 Caleb Marchbank (Murray Bushrangers, 7/12/96, 192cm, 89kg)
Tall utility
Marchbank hasn't played much footy in the past two years due to back and knee problems. He's a tough one to assess because of it because when he did play he looked really good, playing with an equal mix of intensity and calm, picking the ball off as a defender, and getting to it before others while playing at the other end.
28 Ed Vickers-Willis (Sandringham Dragons, 28/3/96, 190cm, 82kg
Utility
Sticks to a job, concentrates, doesn't panic and was very hard to beat in one-on-one situations this year. In fact he was hard to beat full stop. As a defender, can take on bigger players. Up the field his clear mind, good kicking and endurance add to his value. Everyone who has worked with him raves about his strong character.
29 Connor Blakely (Swan Districts, 2/3/96, 189cm, 85kg)
Midfielder
A clearance midfielder, who has done it at senior level in Perth this year. Not particularly flashy but nothing much seems to faze him. He holds his ground and thinks quickly, moving the ball on quickly or holding onto it if that will create time for a better option to be shaken loose. Gets things started then runs hard to keep them going.
30 Brayden Maynard (Sandringham Dragons, 20/9/96, 187cm, 87kg)
Midfielder
A robust midfielder, who loves to tackle. Others might cover the ground a little easier than him, but there is an enjoyable simplicity about the way he plays: if he's not going after the ball, he's going after the player who has it. A good kick, a competitor and a player who looks like he wants to be involved in everything.
1 Isaac Heeney (Cardiff Hawks, 5/5/96, 186cm, 84kg)
Midfielder
The best player in it. An almost wrinkle-free midfielder: a hard, smart ball-winner who can take a mark and hits every contest with ferocity and force. Loves to physically take opponents on, and licks his lips when someone tries to do the same thing to him. Good skills, switched on off the field too, and a popular teammate who will be easy to coach.
2 Peter Wright (Calder Cannons, 8/9/96, 203cm, 100kg)
Tall forward/ruckman
Be patient, because Wright hasn't done a pre-season and might not make the immediate splash some of the onballers do. At his size, with his running ability and his growing understanding of how to use his body to get others out of the way, he has all the qualities to become the best player from this draft.
3 Christian Petracca (Eastern Ranges, 4/1/96, 186cm, 95kg)
Midfielder
A bold, bubbly personality who plays in the same, full-on way. Wants the footy, worked hard on his endurance and proved himself as a midfielder this year, one whose nous, foot skills and power makes him one of the most damaging players in the draft. As a bonus, can go forward and kick goals. Has a happy knack of saving them for big moments, too.
4 Paddy McCartin (Geelong Falcons, 19/4/96, 194cm, 96kg)
Tall forward
Paddy's season was interrupted by a string of niggling injuries. But when he played, he played with huge presence. A competitive, aggressive full-forward who wants the ball kicked to him and whose eyes light up when he gets the chance to bowl opponents over. Can clunk a mark and does, often. Will fit very easily into an AFL club.
5 Darcy Moore (Oakleigh Chargers, 25/1/96, 199cm, 91kg)
Swingman
A genuine both-ends player. He has quick feet, he's improved his kicking, he knows instinctively where the ball is going to go and if his pace isn't enough to get him right up against his opponent then his long arms will make sure he gets the spoil in or creates space to take a mark. Vibrant, likeable and extremely competitive.
6 Angus Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons, 9/1/96, 187cm, 91kg)
Midfielder
A midfielder with a real bit of brute: if the ball is anywhere near him he will more than likely be the one who gets it. Does a lot of the hard stuff but is a smart runner who knows where he needs to be, makes smart decisions and can finish with some polish. Not much to worry about with this one.
7 Jayden Laverde (Western Jets, 12/4/96, 189cm, 80kg)
Midfield utility
An artful, occasionally ingenious player who knows how to put on a show and is one of the more watchable players in the draft - the big mark, the sidestep, the running goal, the sense of when to take off with the ball. Has looked comfortable in most parts of the ground and is more an outside than inside player right now, but get him the ball and he'll do something good.
8 Liam Duggan (Western Jets, 11/12/96, 184cm, 75kg)
Midfielder
A neat, tidy, trustworthy left-footer who gets to good places, assesses what is going on around him and does the right thing more often than not and can keep running, which makes up for the split second of extra speed some others might have on him. Sometimes, watching his games back reveals detail and intricacies you didn't notice on first viewing. He won't let you down.
9 Paul Ahern (Calder Cannons, 1/8/96, 181cm, 82kg)
Midfielder
Ahern can make difficult things look easy, especially when it's busy and you're waiting for someone - anyone - to find a way out. Moves fluidly but for all his niftiness there's a direct, "this way to the goals" feel about the way he plays, be it in his ability to collect the ball off packs, link up or find a way home.
10 Nakia Cockatoo (NT Thunder, 23/10/96, 186cm, 86kg)
Midfielder
Mr Mystery, having played one exhibition game at the very end of the season after foot surgery and starred in it. Super quick, powerful and loves to snatch the ball up and burst off with it. Could have faded away but worked hard behind-the-scenes to get to the combine in amazing shape and remind everyone of his athleticism.
11 Jake Lever (Calder Cannons, 5/3/96, 193cm, 84kg)
Tall defender
A feisty defender who despises being beaten. Predicts play, helps teammates out, sets things up, takes off with the ball at the right times and has a real sense of control over what is going on around him. Has missed the year after a knee reconstruction, but rehabbed well. Doesn't need people to be watching in order to be a strong off-field leader.
12 Jack Steele (Belconnen, 13/12/95, 188cm, 86kg)
Midfielder
A bouncy, bounding player who is able to create momentum. Keeps his feet, isn't easily knocked off balance and if he gets tackled, finds ways to get either the ball or himself out of trouble. All those qualities help him win the ball when it's within reach, and hold onto marks when he goes forward.
13 Jarrod Pickett (South Fremantle, 3/5/96, 177cm, 75kg)
Midfielder
At his dynamic, proactive best, Pickett is one of the most entertaining players in this year's group. He can cover the ground, has real pace and knows that when he flicks it on there aren't many people who can catch him. When he makes things happen, they happen quickly and they're a lot of fun to watch.
14 Tom Lamb (Dandenong Stingrays, 19/10/96, 193cm, 84kg)
Tall utility
A unique, enigmatic player who can do things others can't. Instinctive, and an incredible runner. Combine that with his height and ability to play almost anywhere, and he has some sort of skill set. Had a patchy season but is a very hard trainer who asks a lot of himself and wants to get into a club and get started.
15 Jordan De Goey (Oakleigh Chargers, 15/3/96, 188cm, 85kg)
Midfield utility
Can find ways into games from almost any part of the ground, in a meaningful way. He'll do his time in the centre square, where he loves the one-on-one stuff, then go forward, find a mismatch, take a mark and kick a goal. Has a ruggedness about him, but at the same time makes sensible decisions and gets the ball into good spots.
16 Sam Durdin (West Adelaide, 6/6/96, 198cm, 88kg)
Swingman
Durdin didn't really settle into one spot this year, and has arguably played his best footy as a ruckman. More than capable of playing as a marking forward but has probably looked most comfortable at centre half-back given his size, speed and preparedness to compete, ruffle his opponents up and go for his marks.
17 Kyle Langford (Northern Knights, 1/12/96, 190cm, 76kg)
Tall utility
One of the most versatile players on offer, and quite unique. Tracks the ball well when he's defending and is able to sneak into good spots at the other end and get off the ground to mark. Can really move with the play - he gets in and around players, almost sliding down the ground - and may develop into a midfield option.
18 Corey Ellis (Western Jets, 9/10/96, 184cm, 74kg)
Midfielder
Ellis is an unobtrusive onballer, with a humble personality that follows him onto the field. There is a discipline, reliability and calmness about the way he plays; he's someone who will make the most of almost every chance that comes his way. When you kick the ball as well as he does, that's a very useful quality. He's very good, in almost every area.
19 Lachie Weller (Southport, 23/2/96, 182cm, 77kg)
Midfielder
Weller does most things well. An outside midfielder, he kicks the ball nicely, can take marks, scoop the ball up and take off with a bit of dash. If he's not placing the ball on someone's chest, he's every chance to be side-stepping someone, and kicking the goal himself. Professional - intensely so - and will adapt to an AFL environment easily.
20 Alex Neal-Bullen (Glenelg, 9/1/96, 182cm, 76kg)
Midfielder
A perceptive player, able to concentrate on more than one thing at once. He sets up play, keeps an eye out for others, understands what his teammates are meant to be doing and organises them accordingly. He's very good at wrenching the ball out of hot spots and getting it moving his team's way, and can keep running all day.
21 Dillon Viojo-Rainbow (Western Jets, 8/2/96, 184cm, 82kg)
Half-back/midfielder
There's the courage - Viojo-Rainbow isn't worried about shoving himself to the front of a (usually bigger) player, sticking his arms up and pulling in a mark. There's also the class - you could watch this guy kick left footers all day long. As a half-back, he can turn potentially bad times into good by getting the ball one good kick clear of trouble.
22 Clem Smith (Perth, 3/2/96, 177cm, 78kg)
Small defender
Boisterous small defender, a bundle of exuberance and energy who crashes, bashes, side steps, dodges and makes those around him think twice about going for the ball. Needs to increase his endurance and and had a patchy season, but can really impact a game. Will be a popular teammate from the get-go. Good fun to watch.
23 Hugh Goddard (Geelong Falcons, 24/8/96, 196cm, 94kg)
Swingman
Finished the year off well after an indifferent middle section and a busy season switching between teams. Has played both ends of the ground but arguably looks most comfortable as a defender given his ability to read the play, take marks and lock down, without getting too exposed for speed off the mark. One of the most professional players in it.
24 Liam Dawson (Aspley, 23/1/96, 189cm, 83kg)
Midfield utility
Dawson is inventive, a player who can create a bit of havoc wherever he's put. Running out of defence or through the middle he's willing to move with the ball, assessing options as he goes; playing forward he can bamboozle opponents, get into good spots, take marks and kick goals. Has speed, versatility and doesn't wait around for things to happen.
25 Jarrod Garlett (South Fremantle, 18/8/96, 180cm, 69kg)
Midfielder
A speed machine, with endurance to match. Fast, energetic and explosive. Garlett's year was particularly impressive given the niggling injuries that might have slowed him up; coming back into the WA state team he was able pick up where he left off more than once. He's a direct, attacking player with a huge work ethic and a lot of drive.
26 Connor Menadue (Western Jets, 19/9/96, 187cm, 69kg)
Midfielder
Menadue may take a little time, given he's so skinny. But you'd be investing in a proactive player who can carry the ball and who shows a willingness, despite his slight frame, to lay tackles. A generator, who can take marks through the midfield and whose many athletic traits (he's super quick, and can keep going) speak to his huge scope.
27 Caleb Marchbank (Murray Bushrangers, 7/12/96, 192cm, 89kg)
Tall utility
Marchbank hasn't played much footy in the past two years due to back and knee problems. He's a tough one to assess because of it because when he did play he looked really good, playing with an equal mix of intensity and calm, picking the ball off as a defender, and getting to it before others while playing at the other end.
28 Ed Vickers-Willis (Sandringham Dragons, 28/3/96, 190cm, 82kg
Utility
Sticks to a job, concentrates, doesn't panic and was very hard to beat in one-on-one situations this year. In fact he was hard to beat full stop. As a defender, can take on bigger players. Up the field his clear mind, good kicking and endurance add to his value. Everyone who has worked with him raves about his strong character.
29 Connor Blakely (Swan Districts, 2/3/96, 189cm, 85kg)
Midfielder
A clearance midfielder, who has done it at senior level in Perth this year. Not particularly flashy but nothing much seems to faze him. He holds his ground and thinks quickly, moving the ball on quickly or holding onto it if that will create time for a better option to be shaken loose. Gets things started then runs hard to keep them going.
30 Brayden Maynard (Sandringham Dragons, 20/9/96, 187cm, 87kg)
Midfielder
A robust midfielder, who loves to tackle. Others might cover the ground a little easier than him, but there is an enjoyable simplicity about the way he plays: if he's not going after the ball, he's going after the player who has it. A good kick, a competitor and a player who looks like he wants to be involved in everything.
