Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the best prospect in the 2020 AFL draft.
Even without playing in season 2020, his athletic abilities combined with the skills and game understanding showcased through his junior career make him a tantalising and potentially generational talent. You don’t get compared to Lance Franklin for nothing.
So with the number one pick in the 2020 draft in their possession, the Adelaide Crows would ordinarily be thrilled by the chance to add this excitement machine to their list.
However, in keeping with the weirdness that has been 2020, they can’t have him. He’s going to the Western Bulldogs, no matter what, through the next generation academy system.
You might say keep the Dogs honest and make them pay his full price and bid on him at pick one.
(Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
But this would be a mistake for three reasons.
1. Money
As major sponsor of the AFL draft, the first overall pick is given a $20,000 portfolio from NAB. Why would you ensure that an opposition player gets a free $20,000 when you can make sure one of your own players is happier with their signing bonus?
2. Player morale
Four other players are in contention for the number one pick and are all future stars of the competition. What kind of message does it send to one of these players that they were your back-up option? The ongoing benefits for them being the number one pick are huge.
3. Team morale
How much of a boost would it provide to the Crows’ players knowing they’ve got a player coming in that the recruiting team (who probably selected them) rate as the best player available, rather than the second best?
Of the four other players in contention for the top pick, the Crows have narrowed it down to two: Elijah Hollands and Logan McDonald. That leaves Denver Grainger-Barrass and Riley Thilthorpe to drop to deeper picks.
Hollands is a Crows fan and has openly expressed his desire to be drafted to the Crows. He would immediately add to their midfield mix (assuming his ACL recovery goes to plan) and replace Brad Crouch as an extractor with better wheels on the outside.
McDonald is a key forward and when he fills out his frame, he will be a man mountain. He has a great kicking technique and a good engine to work opponents. He would make a good Taylor Walker replacement.
Denver Grainger-Barrass would actually be my pick for number one. He’s got tremendous confidence and stated in an interview last week that his goal isn’t to just make an AFL list and play a game, it’s to be the best player in the league.
Thilthorpe has been linked with the Crows for a long time and is a local SA product, so they wouldn’t need to fear the go-home factor. Unfortunately for him, Thilthorpe’s big season in the WAFL combined with some minor groin issues has probably moved McDonald above Thilthorpe.
Who would you take with pick one?
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Crows should do that,Port havent a strong draft hand,if Crows calls out Jones at pick 2 I think Port will match it,better to get Jones than have say a couple of picks in the thirties,especially with port having a couple of high draft picks from last year yet to debut also, they will want the best player they can possibly get
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Hearing Essendon might be that team Pedro
Noiret
Roar Rookie
Yesterday draftguru had the Crows with 31 players including Hately, today they have then as 30 excluding Hately. So they may have 7 vacancies. They may use their 5 picks up to 40 and then match on Newchurch.
Noiret
Roar Rookie
Yes, but if Campbell and Jones were bid on at 10 or 11, the effect would be similar, rather picks in the 50s would be spared. I'm curious, but it's possible that there are informal agreements. For example, if I were Essendon trying to persuade Ports to bend my way over the Fantasia deal, an informal promise not to bid on Jones might get the deal thru.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yes. This is my third response. They won't allow it.
Ditto
Roar Rookie
Russ, Adelaide currently have 31 senior list spots filled, plus Hately is 32, that leaves 6 spots available, they may only use 4 picks, but I would assume they're leaving their options open. With bids after pick 56 requiring zero points to match a bid, if Tariek Newchurch was bid on at 57 and Adelaide didn't match with pick 80, I'd be very disappointed.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Win - Win (both for AFC)! :stoked:
Russ
Roar Rookie
All that is doing is picking JUH to bore it up the Doggies, which I can understand :stoked: .
If anyone should know about #1 draft picks it a Carlton fan ........ and Melbourne I guess
He is - AFC should select JUH, then Phillips then Jones - after that they can select someone they can actually get. Glad the stupid rule on NGA's is changing - to think two top eight sides will this year get guns for nothing, its not right or fair.
they havent at all committed to Borlase and Newchurch - if theres better options at those picks they'll go for the better option. I think Borlase more likely to get to rookie draft than being selected Wednesday, same with Newchurch possibly. Id also love to see the AFC get J Rowe in the rookie draft, natural footballer who had another great season for the SANFL premiers!
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
The problem with being pick number 1 is you are regarded as the best player in the draft and you are then expected to be the best. How many number 1 picks have had their ability questioned over their careers - plenty. Plenty of people and reporters have said Sam Walsh was not the best player taken in the 2018 draft, although imo he has been consistently the best. So for me the Crows should nominate JUH so the player they actually get is free of the pressure that would be put on him if taken at 1.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
The Roar seems to have you on permanent delay Don.
I couldnt disagree more with the three points in this article - you really think a player taken at two holds it against the club because they werent called at 1 - how is it any different for a player selected at 16, does he have a grudge against the club who selected another at 15? The other players at the club dont pump their chests because a player was selected and taken at 1 over another who was selected but unavailable, just plain dumb to think otherwise. And $20k really - a metaphorical drop in the ocean when compared to what they will earn between 18-30 y/o. The AFC cant go wrong selecting any of the x 4 options (Hollands, Thilthorpe, McDonald, JUH) however they should force WB hand and make them pay for the luxury they have!
Chanon
Guest
Hi Russ, Adelaide will select who they think is the best player our thoughts & preyers are irrelevant but l have to let you know your comments on Jamarra not having points on the board is crazy ridiculous, l’m certain that a player of Jamarra destictiion being compared to the great Lance Franklin isn’t referred to lightly!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
JUH seems destined to go number 1. Get over it Doggie fans. I am a little more interested in when someone will bid on Lachie Jones (to ensure Port pays the full price). That kid is a gem!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I have been away working Micko and the real cricket hasn't started yet!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
One of Adelaide's wealthy benefactors will no doubt require some marketing assistance from the club and their first draft selection!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Adelaide can pick both JUH and MacDonald (or Hallands or Thilthorpe)!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
If Adelaide picks JUH at Pick 1, the Bulldogs can match if they want to (or Adelaide gets what they would rate as the best player in the Draft). If Adelaide picks someone else they get to keep that player. Adelaide's incentive to pick JUH would be to pick the best available player and/or make a competing club with the NGA/Father-Son rights pay the maximum available price. The issue is the 20% discount that is distorting the system, not the ability to match! The media circus and career long scrutiny around the #1 Pick may be something the club and player would like to avoid and the cash incentive is easily replaced (Marketing exercise anyone ... come and meet Adelaide's new Draft sensation ...?)!