The Next 10: Top draft prospects left on the board
AFTER 25 players were selected on night one of the AFL Draft, there is plenty of talent left on the board for clubs to fight over early on night two. We highlight 10 prospects set to be in the frame for those second-round picks, including several more club-tied talents.
>> NIGHT ONE: Every pick | All the fallout | Press conferences
>> EVERY CLUB: Night two and late-draft options
THE NEXT 10
Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 23/03/2007
Power Ranking: #24
Emmett was touted to slot into the early second-round range heading into the draft, with several clubs likely interested in key position players. A ruck-forward who many believe could also thrive in defence, Emmett is a phenomenal runner for his size and has been highly regarded throughout his junior career as an Under 16 All-Australian and AFL Academy member. North Melbourne could have a look with the first pick of night two, while the Bulldogs are also in the mix directly after if they don’t trade back. Essendon could be another landing spot back at pick 36 having looked at a few talls.
Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007
Power Ranking: #16
Greeves has long been touted as one of this year’s top prospects, but has slid into the second round – or beyond – and looms as a value option. Clubs have questioned his work rate out of possession but there is no denying Greeves’ class when the ball enters his area, boasting clean stoppage craft and poised decision making skills. As the great-nephew of Geelong great Carji Greeves, the Cats are an obvious link and will be among the clubs to consider him. Melbourne could also look for an inside mid at pick 30.
Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Forward/Wing | 186cm | 16/11/2007
Power Ranking: #17
Another slider who arguably possesses top-15 quality on his day, Hibbins-Hargreaves will be difficult to overlook for much longer. Melbourne should be in the mix at pick 30, as will Geelong (33) and Essendon (36). The Dandenong Stingrays co-captain is a game-winner who has regularly kicked important goals throughout his junior career. He’s quick off the mark and strong overhead, while possessing clean skills around the ground. Whether as a natural forward, wingman, or onballer, he has upside aplenty.
Jack Ison (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Forward | 190cm | 26/02/2007
Power Ranking: #25
Carlton would have breathed a sigh of relief as Ison passed through the first round, although North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs could yet spoil the party. The Blues hold the third pick of round two and will hope to make a live selection before the Ison bid, but are committed to their Next Generation Academy member and can easily match before making a later pick. Ison’s ball use and versatility are a great match for Carlton, who already matched for father-son gun Harry Dean at pick three.
Max King (Swans Academy/NSW)
Forward/Midfielder | 191cm | 09/01/2007
Power Ranking: #21
Sydney has seemingly already made the tough call surrounding its academy graduates, allowing Lachlan Carmichael to walk to the Bulldogs. That came after matching for Harry Kyle at pick 14, with King likely to be called out somewhere in the second round. Much like Kyle, he’s a selection made on upside and possesses arguably the best athletic profile in the draft – at least with regards to power. The Swans can easily match for a bid before their next pick (35), and will likely dip into the open draft pool with later selections (41, 53, and 64).
Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Key Forward | 197cm | 19/11/2007
Power Ranking: #23
Ludowyke was linked to Geelong in the first round but could well be one of the talls North Melbourne looks at with pick 26. If not, the Cats loom once again down at 33. Carlton may also look for long-term key forward cover having lost Charlie Curnow, though that hinges on whether a bid comes for Ison beforehand. Ludowyke’s year was cut short by a knee injury but he showcased top-15 potential as an athletic marking forward. His speed and aggression are other traits which hold him in good stead.
Zac McCarthy (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 27/10/2007
Power Ranking: #29
McCarthy is among the key position prospects likely to garner attention in this range. The problem for other clubs is Collingwood has priority access to him and will most likely be willing to match any bid from now, on. The Oakleigh Chargers tall impressed this year with his mobility and aerial nous, while looking comfortable in possession as a ruck or key forward. He could serve as the long-term cover Pies fans have been crying out for in that position, but remains a raw talent with plenty of development left.
Jevan Phillipou (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 30/03/2007
Power Ranking: #18
Phillipou is not short on confidence but arguably has the talent to match. He was overlooked in the first round with a few clubs seemingly in the hunt, though they may now pounce further down the order. Namely, North Melbourne and Geelong have been linked, while St Kilda could be an outside chance to trade up the order and reunite Jevan with elder brother Mattaes. The Woodville-West Torrens prospect is a power athlete who runs all day, possessing a wicked side-step and aerial ability as a mid-forward.
Blake Thredgold (Sturt/South Australia)
Key Defender | 194cm | 27/08/2007
Power Ranking: #30
With a relative dearth of key defensive options in this year’s draft, Thredgold is set to be highly sought after having made it through round one. North Melbourne is a regular link and holds the first pick of night two, while Geelong and the Western Bulldogs will also be in the mix. Thredgold is a lockdown defender with added weapons, including his athletic ability. He can spoil or mark on the intercept and has developed the ability to do more damage on the rebound. Expect him to go early.
Tylah Williams (Swan Districts/Western Australia)
Small Forward | 175cm | 22/02/2007
Power Ranking: #36
There were plenty of suggestions that Williams would attract a first round bid, though the likes of Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle opted to look elsewhere. The livewire small forward is a creative force between the arcs, renowned for racking up high GPS numbers and posing a threat to opposition defences with his foot skills. He could still land in the 30s with several clubs looking for that type of small forward, and West Coast is now well poised to retain its raft of club-tied talent.