The International Rules is over and while some clubs have started training already the last exciting event for AFL 2008 is the National Draft. Back during the October Trade Week I wrote about what your club needed. This will be very similar unless your club actually addressed their need in the trade.
What your club will be aiming for in the 2008 November Draft
I will write what I think and then its your turn to add in the comments section what you think they need?
Adelaide Crows
They lack quality key forwards but Tippet, Gill and Maric will be handy enough in a year or two, so their biggest weakness is their midfield with McLeod, Edwards and co aging and Thompson has simply not stepped up.
Brisbane Lions
Brisbane have the building blocks of a quality line up with star forwards (Brown and Bradshaw) and an even better midfield of (Power, Black, Johnstone, Leuenberger, Charman, Dalziel etc). So what is missing? A handy small and tall defender would be good.
Carlton Blues
The midfield looks set with Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Stevens and Carrazzo but the forward line really needs another key forward to take some pressure of Fevola. Another key defender would help with O’hAilpin and Wait not playing to their talent.
Collingwood Magpies
A fast pacey midfielder would be great as Thomas has struggled to go to the new level with their other midfielders of Pendlebury, Maxwell etc all slow. Cousins would have fit the club skill and pace wise good.
Essendon Bombers
Hille is the best ruckman behind Cox but Laycock is lazy, so a ruckman would be good. More midfield depth will also be handy to go alongside Primsall.
Fremantle Dockers
Some more midfield depth to go alongside the youth of Palmer and Ibottson and a quality small forward in someone like Ballantyne. Expect the Dockers to also pick up a ruckman (likely Naitanui) as they lost Warnock to Carlton.
Geelong Cats
Depth is not a problem but with new clubs coming in soon, quality kids for more depth will be a must.
Hawthorn Hawks
Big defender as Dawson has failed but Gilham and Murphy could be handy. Along with Geelong more good young kids is the answer to stock up on talent for when the new teams come in.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
I personally think kids after getting rid of Thompson and Sinclair. Kids will help depth and bring excitement around the club, that and some descent consistent midfielders as Wells, Harris etc are too incosistent.
Melbourne Demons
More kids to do what Hawthorn have done. I expect them to get Watts as he could well step into Neitz footsteps and kick 60 odd goals a year. Defense and Midfield looks ok, so picking the best kid with their other picks is probably what they’ll do.
Port Adelaide Power
Chaplin and Thurstans needs help down back and I doubt the Westhoff brothers are the answer to their forward line as they are too similar in style – lead up players.
Richmond Tigers
Polak is a worry as it leaves them a key defender short. Some more midfield depth would be good along with Cotchin, Polo, Foley etc.
St Kilda Saints
More midfield depth with pace and good kicks (is Cousins the answer?) along with another key defender with Maguire and Hudghton always struggling with injuries (Carrol??).
Sydney Swans
Swans need key defenders, key forwards, a ruckman and some much needed midfield pace.
West Coast Eagles
Pacey midfielders who can kick and set up goals (like Rich) is a must who can supply Lynch, McKinley and Kennedy. A small forward to feed off the key position forwards is also needed. Expect Ballantyne to go early 2nd round as West Coast and Fremantle have both eyed him.
Western Bulldogs
Key Forwards, Key Forwards and Key Forwards is the key for them. Welsh, Hahn and Minson are NOT the answer as they are bit players. They have Cordy and Grant who could be the answer and for their sake, lets hope so. I would expect them to again pick the best player available.
So what do you think your club need?
So let us know what you think your AFL club needs, whether you agree with me or not.
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November 11th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
So basically, the Swans need pretty much anyone they can get!
Don’t think Rich is a definite at the Eagles – with youngsters like Masten, Ebert, Butler, I don’t think they’re as light on as has been made out through the midfield.
I think all teams will pick the player they rate the most highly instead of filling a position until you get into the later rounds.
It does look a super draft though and I’m sure recruiters are licking their lips!
Die Hard Footys last blog post..Chris Yarran – 2008 AFL Draftee Profile
November 11th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Yes I would say the Swans need pretty much everything. Shaw as much as he is a hack, will help add some much needed pace in the midfield. When Goodes went forward (due to illness) they lacked drive.
Yes while Masten, Ebert, Selwood, Butler, Kerr sounds like a handy midfield. Rich imo is such a gun and I could see him fitting nicely alongside these other guys and re-creating a super premiership midfield for the Eagles in a few years.
>>I think all teams will pick the player they rate the most highly instead of filling a position until you get into the later rounds.”
I agree that clubs usually do pick the best available player, some do pick what they need for example last year the Bulldogs picked up Grant top 10.
Thanks for your comments Die Hard..