I am back this year to cover one of the biggest talking points, if not the biggest talking point of the year – the draft.
You would expect 2016 to follow the same trend as the last few years, in which there is usually a prime prospect that has stamped his authority in previous years to take out the highly prized, highly anticipated number one spot.
This time last year Jacob Weitering had the number one spot locked up, Paddy McCartin the year prior, Tom Boyd the year before that, and of course Lachie Whitfield all followed in much the same fashion.
Although, in 2016 this will not be the case.
“I can’t remember a year like it, to be honest,” A Hawthorn recruiter said.
This year will be difficult to pick early on, as we will have to wait until the U18 championships next month, which will be followed closely by both recruiters and clubs.
The draft pool this year lacks a key position player, so clubs like Fremantle and Essendon who will most likely have the highest picks will almost be forced to pick midfielders and small forwards.
But who will ever know about the draft? After all, it’s only May.
Here are the top ten prospects that you should be watching out for in 2016 (in no specific order).
Sam Petreveski-Seton (Western Australia) Midfielder – 180cm, 74kg
Plays like – Stephan Hill
The classiest player in this year’s draft, most likely a number one pick too. He has been the number one choice since his fantastic U16 championships in the Gold Coast. Has played WAFL football with Claremont last year and knows how to match it with bigger bodies. Had an amazing carnival last year in the U18’s as a bottom-ager, earning himself a spot in the All Australian side.
This year has been cut short with injuries, but will be ready for the carnival this year. Watch out because this kid could be the next big thing.
Jacob Allison (Queensland) Midfielder – 193cm, 73kg
Plays like – Elliot Yeo
All-Australian last year as a bottom-ager, he averaged more SuperCoach Points than any other underage player at the champs, averaged 18 disposals, 15 on average were contested. Allison is one to look forward to for the future. A huge boy standing at 193cm in the midfield, possesses a strong overhead mark and can play virtually anywhere on the field, this kid is going places!
Jonty Scharenberg (South Australia) Midfielder – 185cm, 80kg
Plays like – Dion Prestia
The brother of Collingwood’s Matthew, Jonty could be the best midfielder in this year’s draft crop. Has fast hand, lightning speed and endless endurance that averaged him 27 disposals, 13 contested possessions and six clearances per game at SANFL level last year. He works hard defensively, highlighted by the fact he averaged the second-most tackles and pressure points for South Australia in last year’s carnival.
Ben Ainsworth (Vic Country) Small Forward – 178cm, 74kg
Plays like – Jamie Elliot
This kid is a gun! One of this year’s leading prospects, Ainsworth is expected to be snapped up early in the draft. He has been labelled as a number one pick in the last few years, and expect nothing less, this kid will go in the top three without a doubt. Quality small forward who could evolve into a quality midfielder if need be. Kicked 15 goals last year (second) as a bottom-ager. You will see this name a lot this year.
Jack Bowes (Queensland) Midfielder – 187cm, 76kg
Plays like – Harley Bennell
A Gold Coast academy member, and don’t expect anything less than a top-five bid for this kid. I have played against this guy on a few occasions, and what they say is true, he can tear apart a game with electric speed, strength, and ferocity at the contest. A smooth-moving midfielder who can play at half forward as he possesses a strong overhead mark, and loves to kick goals.
Harrison Macreadie (NSW-ACT) Tall defender – 195cm, 82kg
Plays like – Harry Taylor
A GWS academy member, much like Bowes you should be expecting an early bid for this kid, top ten most likely. A tall, premium defender, I think the best in this year’s draft pool. Can intercept, lock down one on one, and can win the ball and create rebound attacks. Not only is he hard and tough in the backline, but he is classy with ball in hand. A great set of hands too, this guy is one of the best backmen you’ll see this year.
Brandan Parfitt (Northern Territory) Midfielder – 177cm, 72kg
Plays like – Jack Steven
One of the best bottom agers from last year. Parfitt possesses speed, agility, strength, and endurance. Winning Northern Territory’s MVP last year, averaged 16 disposals and was the best in division two for metres gained and score involvements. Highly skilled, and not afraid to take on an opponent, keen to see how he develops this year. Keep an eye on him.
Jy Simpkin (Vic Country) Small forward – 181cm, 73kg
Plays like – Shane Edwards
Sad, sad news. Broken leg for Simpkin which rules him out for the whole year, who could have well gone top five in the draft. Expect something like what happened with Sam Weideman last year to happen again to Simpkin, without playing any matches, Jy could well go in the top ten based on his form last year. A clever and classy half forward who has good pace impressed last year at TAC cup level averaging 17 disposals, four clearances, and one and a half goals per game.
Sam White (Vic Country) Tall defender – 191cm, 84kg
Plays like – Adam Tomlinson
A big backman, tough as they come. Very left footed which I know can put some recruiters off, but makes up for it with his marking and endurance. White was very good for Vic Country in the 2014 Under 16 national carnival, but much of his 2015 was cut short by a serious knee injury.
A good investment for the future, though, and can see big things coming from this young kid.
Jarrod Berry (Vic Country) General defender – 191cm, 80kg
Plays like – Corey Enright
Won All Australian honours on a half back flank last year in the under 18’s as an intercept defender. He provides lots of run off the half-back flank, he is a unique size which means he can play on basically any variety of opposition forwards. I think this guy has plenty to give and if a club is looking for any type of defender this guy can fit the bill.
So, No key forwards are in the mix for top ten selections, but I think we all hope that one can rocket themselves into contention from a big championship, much like what Josh Schache did last year.
Fantastic to see a spread of different states too, with the domination of Vic Country last year who had six of the top ten picks.
But of course we will have to wait and see, an open ledger this year for anyone to take advantage of.
So we ask ourselves, who will be the number one pick in 2016?
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