OVER the past few weeks, Draft Central launched its brand new series of pocket podcasts, a collection of short-form discussions which narrow in on a range of topics heading into the 2020 AFL Draft. In the next edition, Chief Editor Peter Williams again sat down with AFL Draft Editor Michael Alvaro to compare and contrast the best midfielders over 190cm available in this year’s AFL Draft pool. It is a prototype which is in vogue at the moment among AFL circles, with clubs keen to uncover the next Nat Fyfe, Patrick Cripps, or Marcus Bontempelli with tall midfielders who are contested beasts and can take ahold of games. For the most part, the discussion centred around three key draft talents in said category; Alex Davies, Reef McInnes, and Caleb Poulter. Each of them are regarded as top 25 talents in this year’s crop and shape as the three best 190cm-plus midfielders. Unfortunately for the sake of most fans, both Davies (Gold Coast) and McInnes (Collingwood) are already tied to AFL clubs through their respective academy systems. Davies is set to be pre-listed by the Suns, while Oakleigh’s McInnes could attract a bid between picks 15 and 25. That leaves Poulter, a South Australian bolter of sorts who is the ideal hybrid type and may have clubs fighting over his services in the late-first to early-second round. To listen to the discussion in full, click here.

PLAYER PROFILES

(click on their names highlighted in red for full draft profiles)

Alex Davies Gold Coast Academy/Allies

Height: 192cm Weight: 85kg DOB: March 18, 2002

Plays… almost exclusively on the inside as a primary ball winner.

Reef McInnes Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Height: 193cm Weight: 86kg DOB: December 12, 2002

Plays… at both ends when required, but thrives on the inside with his size and athleticism.

Caleb Poulter WWT Eagles/South Australia

Height: 192cm Weight: 79kg DOB: October 12, 2002

Plays… inside, outside, and up forward with great presence and class.

Other players who entered the discussion include: Josh Green – brother of Tom who is also tied to the GWS Academy, can play key position or inside midfield. Lachlan Carrigan – Sandringham wingman who is developing quickly, runs well and has a damaging kick. Saxon Crozier – Brisbane Academy product who is versatile but outside leaning, and boasts a thumping boot. Aiden Fyfe – Gold Coast Academy wingman/half-back who is highly athletic and may attract interest from other clubs. The likes of Elijah Hollands (189cm), Archie Perkins (188cm), Jack Carroll (187cm), and Nathan O’Driscoll (187cm) were among the first round candidates to narrowly miss the 190cm cut, but are similarly tall midfielders who could provide the same kind of value as those listed above.

>> Power Rankings: November Update

Past Episodes:

Logan McDonald vs. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Best academy and father-son hauls Brayden Cook vs. Conor Stone Key defenders kicking comparison Offence from defence Denver Grainger-Barras vs. Heath Chapman The top non-aligned midfielders