In the Spotlight: Draft bolters and sliders
As we converge on the national draft in less than two weeks, In the Spotlight takes a look at the draftees whose names are set to be called out on November 27th. In our first edition, we take a look at the bolters and sliders – those who have either shot up the draft order […]
2014 Draft Profile: Daniel McKenzie
Daniel McKenzie (Oakleigh Chargers) Height: 183 cm Weight: 77 kg Position: Midfielder/defender Player comparison: George Horlin-Smith Strengths: Speed, tackling, defensive pressure, marking, big-game player Areas needing improvement: Consistency, ability to hit the scoreboard You could be forgiven for not knowing who Daniel McKenzie is, what position he plays, and why he’s being spoken about within top […]
2014 Draft Profile: Jarrod Pickett
Jarrod Pickett South Fremantle Height: 179cm Weight: 76kg Position: Forward / Midfielder Player Comparison: Chris Yarran Strengths: Speed, Tackling, damaging by foot Areas needing improvement: Consistency If you like highlight reels, then be sure to check out Jarrod Pickett’s. The West Australian is all about speed and ball movement. His straight line acceleration is at […]
Luke McAlister’s November Phantom Draft
Pick 1 – St. Kilda: Christian Petracca (Vic Metro, Balanced midfielder/General forward) 186 cm, 92 kg, 4/1/96 Range: Top 5 Comparison: Dustin Martin Going into 2014 there were question marks over Petracca and he’s answered them emphatically, doing everything he possibly could have to prove that he will be a high level AFL midfielder. He […]
End of season draft power rankings
Grading draft hopefuls is a very subjective process. What one person may like in a player, may be seen as a flaw by another draft watcher. As a result it is very difficult to compare players as many people will have different perspectives and ratings of players. As a way to combat this I have […]
2014 Draft Profile: Matthew Goodyear
Matthew Goodyear (Calder Cannons) Height: 185 cm Weight: 77 kg Position: Midfielder Strengths: Ball Winning, Endurance, Speed, Tackling, Consistency Weaknesses: Composure, Disposal Matthew Goodyear is a hand working medium sized midfielder from the Calder Cannons, who performed consistently throughout the 2014 TAC CAP campaign. Goodyear played eight games for Calder in 2013 due to a foot […]
Luke McAlister’s Phantom Draft
Pick 1 – St Kilda: Christian Petracca (Vic Metro, balanced midfielder/general forward) 186 cm, 92 kg, 4/1/96 Range: Top 5 Comparison: Dustin Martin Going into 2014 there were question marks over Petracca and he’s answered them emphatically, doing everything he possibly could have to prove that he will be a high level AFL midfielder. He […]
2014 Draft Profile: Nakia Cockatoo
Nakia Cockatoo (Southern Districts/NT Thunder) Height: 188 cm Weight: 84 kg Position: Utility Strengths: Acceleration, athleticism, damage Areas of improvement: Consistency Player comparison: Patrick Dangerfield The best prospect to come out of the Northern Territory this year, Nakia Cockatoo is an interesting utility who’s had his season destroyed by injuries. Missing the championships, Cockatoo hasn’t had much opportunity to prove […]
2014 Draft Profile: James Rose
James Rose (Sturt) Height: 186 cm Weight: 78 kg Position: Forward Strengths: Football IQ, courage Areas of improvement: Accumulation, kicking Player comparison: Aaron Edwards A medium sized marking forward who can play all over the ground, James Rose is the type of player who flies under the radar but still performs a role coaches love. From the prestigious Scotch College in […]
2014 Draft Profile: Oleg Markov
Oleg Markov (North Adelaide) Height: 187 cm Weight: 70 kg Position: Midfielder Strengths: Athleticism Areas of improvement: Accumulation Player comparison: Dean Towers The son of Australian outdoor pole vault record holder Dmitri Markov, the Belarusian born Markov is an interesting story and one of the biggest unknowns in the draft. Having broken his collarbone twice […]
Allies vs. NAB AFL Academy: Game notes
The Allies came home with the win over the AFL Australia side, 11.7 (73) to 4.10 (34). Despite the lopsided score, there were plenty of names from both teams who provided wonderful highlights. The Allies were comprised of draft eligible players from division two sides, whilst the AFL Australia team was made up of NAB […]
Oakleigh celebrate second premiership in three years
Photo courtesy of Eve Johnson. A complete performance from the Oakleigh Chargers has seen them take out their second TAC Cup in three years against a gallant Calder Cannons, winning by 47 points, 17.15 (117) to 11.4 (70). With the roof closed at Etihad Stadium, some of the best under 18 talent on show took […]
