by CK » Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:40 pm
For what it's worth, my thoughts on the best prospects at each club:
CENTRAL: Justin Westhoff would be a good chance for a late pick (around the 70-80 mark). His mobility for a big man (197cm) is very impressive and has a relatively small turning circle. The ability to finish off up forward would not go unnoticed, but suspect there could also be a place at CHB for him. Good contested mark and, with a solid pre-season in the gym, a good long term prospect.
Outside chances: Chris Musolino and Andrew Hayes would not be out of place on rookie lists. Both came on well toward the end of the season, and look the sorts to relish the development opportunities. Both able to play tagging roles also, which would impress recruiting staff.
GLENELG: Bryce Gibbs and James Sellar.
Not much more need be said about either, just a matter of where they will go. Suspect Gibbs may possibly end up at Essendon, as Carlton may have flagged an intention to take East Perth ruckman, Matthew Leuenberger with their decision to draft ex-Port and St Kilda ruckman, Cain Ackland, so as not to throw the rookie in the deep end, but only speculating. Sellar, despite a flat middle section of the year, would almost certainly go top 15, with good hands and second efforts for a big man.
Outside chances: Mark Austin, despite enduring a baptism of fire in his league debut against North Adelaide, when he conceded five goals to Daniel Hargraves in the first half before being shifted, will be a solid long term defensive prospect. Interesting to note that this game was in front of Kangaroos coach, Dean Laidley, who would have been scouting Sellar and Gibbs, but have their own defensive problems, so he could be a chance there.
Also wouldn't totally discount either Mark Ruwoldt or Ruory Kirkby for a rookie list place either, with good nous around the goals.
NORTH ADELAIDE: Have a lot of time for Andrew McIntyre's work ethic, and excellent defensive pressure. Had some big jobs this year on some of name forwards in the SANFL and never dropped his head. Needs to work a little on disposal, but close checking style and great overhead skills should surely give him a place in the top 60, at worst. Shane Edwards will probably go just behind him, with great pace and goal sense, and will make a sound prospect with a bit of work
Outside chances: Josh Cubillo was very impressive with his late season games, and winning BOG in the Reserves Grand Final should keep him under notice. Very cool head, and has that ability to sidestep opposition deceptively. Clean skills and top second efforts. Zac Miller will still be eligible for the 2007 draft, and might just need that extra year, but also worth a punt. Any club willing to take the chance on Nick Gill will also know they are getting a mature age recruit who has proven his ability to take a contested mark and finish with the goal - possibly a touch small for a key position in AFL, but could easily see him across half forward or in a pocket.
NORWOOD: Bryce Campbell has proven his ability in the SANFL for a few seasons now, and has been under the radar for a few clubs now. Good work in the packs and can win the hard ball, possibly needs to kick a few more goals to really finish the work, but at 22, would also be a good mature age pick. Brad De Vries was invited to the Crows rookie camp in 2005, and battled injury that year, but took another step in 2006. Excellent contested mark, and can pinch hit in ruck if necessary. Jesse Aish still has some work on disposal, but plays very similar to his father with that loping, laconic style. Needs a solid summer or more in the gym, but a long term prospect.
Outside chances: Jack Bampton may be a year off at this stage, but one to watch for the future. Gavin Hughes' pace is electrifying at best, and those dashes through midfield should get noticed. Adam Cockshell is a genuine project player that may go surprisingly early - don't be shocked if he goes in the top 40. Needs to work on kicking, but his marking is excellent and represents a real key forward prospect.
PORT ADELAIDE: Lindsay Thomas had a good national carnival and showed a real "x factor" that the fans love. Able to turn on 15-20 minutes of electrifying football, not unlike Aaron Davey. Still rather small, but really looms as an excitement machine that must be being looked at very carefully. Levi Greenwood may also surprise for a rookie list place.
SOUTH ADELAIDE: Alwyn Davey should surely realise his dream of going onto a full-time AFL list this year. Defensive skills improved out of sight this year, exhibited by seven tackles in the elimination final against Port, pace to burn and finished off with some bags of goals. One of those players that will really get the fans jumping out of their seats, and must be picked up by someone in the top 60. Very big wraps on James Turner, who has the ability to play at both ends of the ground with great hands.
Outside chance: Nathan Twomey's pack marking was a feature as the season went on, and backs himself 100% in the contests at all times, with a five goal second half haul against Norwood fresh in the recruiters minds. Dylan Williams also had his moments, and may be looked at for a rookie list place.
STURT: Tom Hurley was rated by Brenton Phillips as having the "coolest head of any player at the club" and proved it with a top carnival. Great ball sense, and good pace over the first 5 metres, looks a genuine ballwinner who should got top 20 at absolute worse. Will Paley dropped off a little as the season wore on, but his sound hands and small turning circle would be a good long term prospect for any club willing to pour the hard yards into him, as his goal nous will prove valuable.
Outside chance: Luke Button and Ryan Herring both had their moments late in the year in very trying circumstances. Nick Wark is one right out of the box, but not eligible in 2007 - definite one to watch in future years.
WEST ADELAIDE: Daniel Caire looks a ready made AFL player, with a little patience and work on contested marks. Very slick skills and took on plenty of more experienced players this year and never lowered his colours - would expect no less than Top 70. Caolan Buckley also stepped straight into senior footy with two goals on debut and continued to take big steps through the year. Has the knack of being at the fall of the ball at the critical times, with that uncanny ball sense, and could be a top 50 pick.
Outside chance: Was very impressed with Scott Bricknell's year, although fell away a little over the closing stages. Looks a small half back/rover sort with good skills who plays taller than his size. Definite rookie list chance. Daniel Proud may be a year off his best, but certainly one to watch, and may relish the extra year in the SANFL.
WOODVILLE/WEST TORRENS: Sam Jacobs looks a genuine standout for the Eagles. Built like a man already, and uses it well against the bigger players, his pack marking and work below the knees should surely give him a very big show of a top 60 pick. Real key position player in the making. Zac Hier's stopping role on Daniel Schell in the grand final proved his ability to perform on the big stage, with the ability to play that attacking defensive role that should give him a step straight into the AFL system for a late pick.
Outside chance: Sam Fairclough's cool head and clean skills have been very impressive all year and would not go unnoticed by the AFL scouts. A little small, nonetheless his guts in the packs against the bigger players has that "x factor" that should give him a chance at a rookie list, at worst.
Can you guess where I'm calling from, the Las Vegas Hilton...
Football 
