WHO LANDED WHERE: CLUB BY CLUB BREAKDOWN OF THE AFL DRAFT
Pages 74-75
ADELAIDE
9. CHAYCE JONES (Launceston) H: 180cm W: 77kg Midfielder 16. EDWARD MCHENRY (Geelong Falcons) H: 178cm W: 70kg Midfielder 30. WILL HAMILL (Dandenong Stingrays) H: 185cm W: 72kg Defender 64. LACHLAN SHOLL (Calder Cannons) H: 186cm W: 74kg Midfielder Is there anything Chayce Jones can’t do? A midfield-forward by trade the Tasmania under-18 captain starred across halfback earlier in the year in a game for NAB AFL Academy against North Melbourne reserves. Geelong Falcons pocket rocket Edward McHenry couldn’t have a better mentor in Eddie Betts, while Will Hamill and Lachlan Sholl might need a summer in the weights room to press for selection. Swapped 2019 first round pick with Carlton, will be interesting to see who comes out on top this time next year.
BRISBANE
21. ELY SMITH (Murray Bushrangers) H: 188cm. W: 87kg Midfielder 36. THOMAS BERRY (GWV Rebels) H:185cm, W: 76kg Defender 40. TOM JOYCE (East Fremantle) H: 181cm W: 80kg Midfielder 42. CONNOR McFADYEN (Brisbane Lions Academy A) H: 189cm W:93kg Midfielder 55. NOAH ANSWERTH (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 184cm W: 80kg Defender Mids, mids and more mids ... Brisbane went into this draft with a zeal to boost their inside stocks in the wake of Dayne Beams’s departure. Ely Smith, a nephew of former Saint and Hawk Joel, is an inside bull who could step straight into senior football. He wins his own ball, and that’s invaluable for teenagers keen to make an immediate impression. One of the best stories of the draft is Thomas Berry joining his brother Jarrod. The club’s Twitter feed vision of Jarrod’s reaction was heart-warming. A medium-size defender, he oozes competitiveness. Brisbane missed the chance to secure Charlie Cameron’s brother Jarrod (he went to West Coast), but snapped up East Fremantle inside mid Tom Joyce. The Lions matched Richmond’s bid on Brisbane Academy midfielder Connor McFayden at pick 42, who has been a part of the system since he was 11. Brisbane closed out their draft when they traded a future fourth selection to North Melbourne to claim Oakleigh’s Noah Answerth, who can play at either end.
CARLTON
1. SAM WALSH (Geelong Falcons) H: 184cm W: 77kg Midfielder 19. LIAM STOCKER (Sandringham Dragons) H: 183cm W: 85kg Midfielder 66. FINBAR O’DWYER (Murray Bushrangers) H: 188cm W: 74kg Forward 70. BEN SILVAGNI (Oakleigh Chargers) F/S H: 196cm W: 86kg Defender Some bold decisions from the Blues should see them kickstart the long road back after a 2018 season that stalled almost before it started. They did what everyone knew they would in selecting midfielder Sam Walsh as the No.1 draft pick. It was a no-brainer. He will learn from his new co-skipper Patrick Cripps as well as Marc Murphy, while develop alongside Zac Fisher, Paddy Dow and Sam PetrevskiSeton. But that’s where the script went out the window. The bold move to trade with Adelaide on Thursday night — swapping their respective future first round picks — secured Liam Stocker, which cost the Tigers a player they wanted. They paid a price that could ultimately be a big one, but the Blues were desperate for the Morrish Medal winner, who like Walsh can play as soon as Round 1 next year. Livewire forward Finbar O’Dywer and father-son pick Ben Silvagni — who like his dad can play either end — were added late.
COLLINGWOOD
13. ISAAC QUAYNOR (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 180cm W: 83kg Defender 29. WILL KELLY (Oakleigh Chargers) F/S H: 196cm W: 87kg Defender 77. ATU BOSENAVULAGI (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 180cm W: 81kg Midfielder The Magpies got to have their cake and eat it too after all. The decision to trade for Dayne Beams was balanced by the fact the Pies desperately wanted to keep access to Next Generation Academy star Isaac Quaynor and father-son Will Kelly. That was finalised, with another academy member Atu Bosenavulagi thrown in for good measure. It would not surprise to see Quaynor wearing the black and white in Round 1 next year. He is the hard-running defender the club needs and can play on all manner of forwards. He could even pinch hit in attack at times. Kelly, the son of premiership Magpie Craig, might take a little longer. But as a key defender he fits the club’s long-term needs. Bosenavulagi, who is Fijian born, is sure to become a fan favourite, being related to Joffa Corfe by marriage. But he has made a real impression as a late convert to the game after playing rugby union.
ESSENDON
38. IRVING MOSQUITO (Gippsland Power) H: 176cm W: 72kg Small forward 60. NOAH GOWN (Gippsland Power) H: 194cm W:91kg Key forward 72. BRAYDEN HAM (Geelong Falcons) 185cm, 65kg Utility Despite Adrian Dodoro’s fist pump at securing Hawthorn-linked Irving Mosquito, all of the Dons’ three picks are project players. Mosquito is talented but has plenty to learn, Gown kicked 31 TAC Cup goals but will take time and Ham is a 65kg midfielder who can play both ends. No harm in future-proofing a list that is already star-studded and with a dozen kids already pushing for Round 1 spots next year.
FREMANTLE
17. SAM STURT (Dandenong Stingrays) H: 189cm W: 74kg Medium forward 32. LUKE VALENTE (Norwood) H: 187cm W: 82kg Midfielder 57. LACHLAN SCHULTZ (Williamstown) H: 180cm W: 80kg Midfielder 59. BRETT BEWLEY (Williamstown) H: 186cm W: 85kg Midfielder A quartet of nice additions to a trade haul led by Jesse Hogan. A couple of premium picks in a lead-up forward and strong midfielder, then the Dockers struck with a pair of mature-age Williamstown VFL players who will hope to make an immediate impact. Schultz is a 20-year-old readymade mid, while 23-year-old Bewley is a running machine who averaged 25 possessions a game this year for the Seagulls. Added Schultz to their Hogan in a comedic touch.
GEELONG
15. JORDAN CLARK (Claremont) H: 185cm W:81kg Running defender 48. BEN JARVIS (Norwood) H: 189cm W:82kg Medium forward 50. JACOB KENNERLEY (Norwood) H: 186cm W:77kg Wingman 66. DARCY FORT (Central Districts) H: 205cm W:99kg Ruckman 68. JAKE TARCA (South Adelaide) Small forward H:176cm, W:72kg 74. OSCAR BROWNLESS (Geelong Falcons) H: 187cm W:75kg Midfield/forward The Cats drafted for needs, identifying a classy running defender in Clark, a hit-up forward in Jarvis to replace Dan Menzel and a 25-yearold 99kg ruckman previously from Geelong in Fort, given their ruck issues. With an athletic run-all-day midfielder in Billy’s son Oscar Brownless, they have six picks that might see Stephen Wells brew up some magic. Also bid on fatherson candidate Bailey Scott to keep the Roos honest despite his selection of North Melbourne as his preferred home.
GOLD COAST
2. JACK LUKOSIUS (Woodville-West Torrens) 195cm 83kg Forward 3. IZAK RANKINE (West Adelaide) 179cm 79kg Forward 6. BEN KING (Sandringham Dragons) 202cm 87kg Defender 23. JEZ MCLENNAN (Central District) 185cm 81kg Defender 71. CALEB GRAHAM (Gold Coast Academy 195cm 92kg Defender Very excited with a draft haul that saw them take the cream of the crop with three picks inside the top six. But getting them in the door has never been the issue; it’s keeping them there that’s been the glaring problem. But the club points to changes to its off-field set-up, with a six-staff “player excellence” division charged with player welfare. “Most boys want to stay in the state they were born in but ultimately it’s a national competition,” list manager Craig Cameron said.
GWS GIANTS
11. JYE CALDWELL (Bendigo Pioneers) 184cm 82kg Midfielder 14. JACKSON HATELY (Central District 189cm 80kg Midfielder 22. XAVIER O’HALLORAN (Western Jets) 186cm 84kg Midfielder 24. IAN HILL (Perth) 175cm 65kg Forward 34. KIEREN BRIGGS (Pennant Hills/GWS Academy 200cm 103cm Ruck 61. CONNOR IDUN (Geelong Falcons) 191cm 91kg Defender Ian Hill, the cousin of Fremantle’s Bradley and Stephen, brings the X-factor in the Giants six-man draft haul. Forced to match West Coast’s bid for big man Kieren Briggs later in the second round with the Western Sydney product secured with selection 34. Connor Idun is an England-born defender of African descent.
HAWTHORN
52. JACON KOSCHITZKE (Albury/Murray Bushrangers) 196cm 93kg Defender 63. MATHEW WALKER (GWS Academy) 188cm 84kg Midfielder Didn’t draft on a needs basis, but clearly Koschitzke offers key back reinforcement. The cousin of former St Kilda star Justin can also play forward and the Hawks believe he can come in and potentially play straight away. Kicks the ball well.
MELBOURNE
27. TOM SPARROW (South Adelaide) 183cm 83kg Forward 33. JAMES JORDAN (Oakleigh Chargers) 186cm 81kg Midfielder 53 AARON NIETSCHKE (Central District) 184cm 78kg Midfielder 56. MARTY HORE (Collingwood VFL) 190cm 92kg Defender 75. TOBY BEDFORD (Dandenong Stingrays 178cm 69kg Forward Added yet more midfield power with its first three selections — Sparrow, Jordan and Nietschke all ball-winners. Hore comes in a 22year-old defender from Collingwood’s VFL team, with the Demons tracking his progress since interviewing him as an 18-year-old.
NORTH MELBOURNE
8. TARRYN THOMAS (North Launceston) H: 188cm W: 82kg Forward-Mid 46. CURTIS TAYLOR (Calder Cannons) H: 187cm W: 78kg Mid-Forward 49. BAILEY SCOTT (GC Suns Academy) H: 186cm W: 73kg Midfielder 69. JOEL CROCKER (Sandringham Dragons) H: 188cm W: 77kg Forward Speed, thrills, grunt and x-factor will be the Roos’ 2019 DNA after the bumper trade and draft intakes. It is a nice problem to have for North coach Brad Scott but good luck try to settle on the best 22. Prized Next Generation Academy prospect Tarryn Thomas is a walk-up start next season, while goalkicking midfielders Curtis Taylor and Bailey Scott map nicely to figure early in 2019. Joel Crocker, son of premiership Roo Darren, could take time having missed a lot of footy with injury. The quartet join recruits Jared Polec, Jasper Pittard, Aaron Hall and Dom Tyson all vying for spots at Arden Street.
PORT ADELAIDE
5. CONNOR ROZEE (North Adelaide) H: 185cm W: 74kg Midfielder 12. ZAK BUTTERS (Western Jets) H: 181cm W: 71kg Midfielder 18. XAVIER DUURSMA (Gippsland Power) H: 186cm W: 73kg Defender 73. RILEY GRUNDY (Sturt) H: 194cm W: 84kg Defender 76. BOYD WOODCOCK (North Adelaide) H: 175cm W: 71kg Forward Stemmed the bleeding after losing Chad Wingard, Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard in the trade period with Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma welcome additions at Alberton. Wingard-clone Rozee looks set to make an impact straight away, the classy midfielder has the speed, size and hunger to slot straight into Ken Hinkley’s best 22. Riley Grundy, brother of Collingwood’s Brodie, looks a beast in the making, while Boyd Woodcock rocketed into draft calculations with a strong finish to the season for SANFL premiers North Adelaide.
RICHMOND
20. RILEY COLLIERDAWKINS (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 190cm W: 91kg Midfielder 43. JACK ROSS (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 186cm W: 85kg Midfielder 58. FRASER TURNER (Clarence) H: 186cm W: 77kg Midfielder 62. LUKE ENGLISH (Perth) H: 183cm W: 80kg Midfielder Got an absolute gem in Riley Collier-Dawkins and the scariest part — for the rest of the competition — is the tall and explosive midfielder likened to Marcus Bontempelli and Patrick Cripps hasn’t stopped growing yet. Big-bodied midfielder Jack Ross is ready to go, while running machine Fraser Turner is sure to keep Tigers wingmen Brandon Ellis and Kamdyn McIntosh honest. Hard-working inside midfielder English, who won the 2017 Jack Clarke Medal as the best player in the WAFL colts as a bottom-ager, has been compared to Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis.
ST KILDA
4. MAX KING (Sandringham Dragons) H: 204cm W: 90kg Key forward 41. JACK BYTEL (Calder Cannons) H: 188cm W: 78kg Midfielder 47. MATTHEW PARKER (South Fremantle) H: 187cm W: 79kg 54. NICK HIND (Essendon VFL) H: 180cm W: 70kg Defender 67. ROBERT YOUNG (North Adelaide) THE need for speed was obvious – both with foot pace and a fast improvement next year. The Saints grabbed three mature-age blokes with serious zip and when you throw in former Demon Dean Kent there’ll be some ballistic forward line action next year. Young has played about 60 SANFL games including a flag and Hind’s burst and creativity set up a VFL finals win for Essendon this year. These blokes will allow Jade Gresham and Jack Billings to play more midfield minutes next year. Jack Bytel rivalled No.1 pick Sam Walsh as a TAC Cup ball winner in 2017 but was floored by a back injury this year. The medical team has to get him and spearhead Max King right over summer.
SYDNEY
10. NICK BLAKEY (Sydney academy) H: 195cm W: 82kg Utility 25. JAMES ROWBOTTOM (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 186cm W: 76kg Midfielder 44. JUSTIN McINERNEY (Northern Knights) H: XX W: XX 51. ZAC FOOT (Dandenong Stingrays) H: 181cm W: 73kg Wingman Thursday night’s crafty trading — the Swans and Eagles flipped picks either side of drafting Nick Blakey — allowed Sydney to get pick No.25 and take James Rowbottom. The Swans targeted midfielders with Dan Hannebery gone and Kieren Jack and Josh Kennedy the wrong side of 30 and landed three. Rowbottom is a tough kid, McInerney a smoky who could not get a game for Marcellin last year and was spotted by a Northern Knight player’s dad playing local footy while Zac Foot boasts blistering pace and will carve up the SCG with Gary Rohan now at Geelong. As for Blakey? He’s a top-five talent. What a steal.
WEST COAST
28. XAVIER O’NEILL (Oakleigh Chargers) H: 185cm W: 80kg Midfielder 31. LUKE FOLEY (Subiaco) H: 188cm W: 74kg Forward 35. BAILEY WILLIAMS (Dandenong Stingrays) H: 199cm W: 95kg Ruck/forward 39. JARROD CAMERON (Swan Districts/West Coast academy) H: 182cm W: 70kg Forward Charlie Cameron’s younger brother Jarrod will add swagger and inane goalsense to the AFL’s premiership attack. Cameron, Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli will leave defenders in cold sweats years to come. Held the golden first pick of yesterday and received a flood of overnight interest before trading it to Gold Coast to help secure three secondround selections before taking Cameron. They nabbed 400m and 1500m state medallist Luke Foley, an elite outside player overlooked at last year’s draft and balanced midfielder Xavier O’Neill, who averaged 20 disposals in the TAC Cup but overlooked by Vic Metro. After signing ruckmen Tom Hickey and Keegan Brooksby, the Eagles also drafted the clean-marking and athletic key forward who can play in the ruck in Bailey Williams.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
7. BAILEY SMITH (Sandringham Dragons) H: 185cm W: 82kg Midfielder 26. RHYLEE WEST (Calder Cannons) H: 181cm W: 82kg Inside midfielder 37. LAITHAM VANDERMEER (Murray Bushrangers) H: 179cm W: 73kg Defender 45. BEN CAVARRA (Williamstown VFL) H: 173cm W: 73kg Forward 78. WILL HAYES (Footscray VFL) H: 181cm W: 78kg Midfielder You wouldn’t want to be a fringe Bulldog in 2019. Bailey Smith, Rhylee West, Ben Cavarra and Will Hayes are all ready to play AFL … plus trade targets Sam Lloyd and Taylor Duryea. Inside bull West has been a Bulldog since Birth and, like his champion father Scott, is a tough extractor who is strong through the core, although Rhylee is a right-footer. The 173cm Cavarra has been waiting five years and will add forward spark, as Billy Gowers did last year. Cavarra won the TAC Cup’s Morrish medal in 2013 and then Frankston’s VFL best-and-fairest in 2014 and 2015. Hayes, son of horse trainer David Hayes, won Footscray’s VFL bestand-fairest this year and was taken with the last pick in the draft. Vandermeer is a lightning-quick 19year-old who uses it nicely.