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ADELAIDE
Adelaide was the biggest player in this year's NAB AFL Draft, using all seven picks after a significant list turnover. Midfielders with pace became a priority and were a feature of its choices. The four ball-winners taken were Patrick Dangerfield, Andy Otten, Myke Cook and Tony Armstrong. Other needs were topped up with the recruitment of small forward Jarrhan Jacky, bottom-age tall defender Aaron Kite and key forward Taylor Walker (via the NSW scholarship program). But Dangerfield was the most fascinating selection. He was hotly tipped to land at the Crows in the lead-up to the draft, but with the youngster set to remain in Victoria next year to complete his schooling, the pick became less clear. As it eventuated, the Crows were delighted to claim the impressive young man with blistering pace.
- 10 - Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Falcons)
- 27 - Andy Otten (Oakleigh Chargers)
- 30 - Jarrhan Jacky (Subiaco)
- 38 - Myke Cook (Sandringham Dragons)
- 58 - Tony Armstrong (Calder Cannons)
- 71 - Aaron Kite (Calder Cannons)
- 75 - Taylor Walker (Broken Hill North) - NSW scholarship scheme
BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions got their man when they grabbed Lachlan Henderson with their first pick in the draft. Henderson firmed in the days leading up to the draft after the Lions were initially linked with Brad Ebert. Although Henderson is known as a key forward, many believe his best position will be as a key back. The slider of the first round, Tom Collier, was snared with the club's second pick and the Lions were rapt, considering the Tasmanian was in their thinking at No.8. Aside from the two key talls - Collier is also viewed as a running defender/third tall - the Lions nabbed midfielders James Polkinghorne (the nephew of former Hawthorn player David) and Western Australian Bradd Dalziell. Both are midfielders. The Lions also rated Matt Austin highly and believed he was a potential second rounder.
- 8 - Lachlan Henderson (Geelong Falcons)
- 25 - Tom Collier (Tassie Mariners)
- 41 - James Polkinghorne (Calder Cannons)
- 52 - Bradd Dalziell (East Fremantle)
- 56 - Matt Austin (North Ballarat Rebels)
CARLTON
Although there was some talk in recent weeks that the Blues may have opted for outstanding midfield prospect Trent Cotchin with their No.1 pick, in the end they were never going to pass up ruckman/key forward Matthew Kreuzer. The almost 200cm tall Kreuzer (he stands at 199.5cm) is such a unique talent that he could also play as a ruck-rover. He is widely regarded as a decade player for the club. Aside from the big man, Carlton selected two Western Australian midfielders, Steven Browne and Dennis Armfield, who will turn 21 years old in December. The Blues were delighted to snare Browne at No.36, considering his was a genuine prospect to be drafted in the 20s. The Blues passed with their final selection (No.65) as it is believed they have an uncontracted player in mind for the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
- 1 - Matthew Kreuzer (Northern Knights)
- 36 - Steven Browne (West Perth)
- 46 - Dennis Armfield (Swan Districts)
- 65 - Pass
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood had just the three mandatory selections in the draft and entered the meeting with just two "live" picks after acquiring midfielder Jaxson Barham as a father-son selection in October. Barham is the son of former Magpie Ricky, who played 151 matches from 1977-86. The Magpies were the last team to open their account in this year's draft, with selection No.31 their first choice. The Pies started with John McCarthy, a versatile prospect who can play down back, in the midfield or up forward, before claiming Toby Thoolan (No.47). The 17-year-old Thoolan is a developing ruckman, who the Magpies believe can also play forward or back. Although he stands at 194.6cm, Thoolan's father stands around the 200cm mark and the Pies believe the youngster still has some growing left in him.
- 31 - John McCarthy (Dandenong Stingrays)
- 47 - Toby Thoolan (Bendigo Pioneers)
- 61 - Jaxson Barham (Geelong Falcons) - Father-son selection
ESSENDON
Entering the draft with four "live" selections after securing Darcy Daniher - the son of Anthony and nephew of Terry, Neale and Chris - last month through the revised father-son rule, Essendon claimed three Western Australians. Along with Daniher, a tall back or forward, the Bombers added further height to its list with the recruitment of David Myers, Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker. Essendon's first pick at No.6 was always going to be intriguing - was it going to be Myers or midfielder Rhys Palmer? In the end, it was Myers, a tall running defender/midfielder. He was highly regarded within the recruiting fraternity and many believe he has the capacity to become a genuine leader one day. The Dons always had their eye on Pears at No.23 and they were able to land another tall backman. Hooker, a tall forward standing at 195.8 cm, was Essendon's final pick.
- 6 - David Myers (Perth)
- 23 - Tayte Pears (East Perth)
- 39 - Darcy Daniher (Calder Cannons) - Father-son selection
- 54 - Cale Hooker (East Fremantle)
- 68 - Pass
FREMANTLE
Not since 2003 has Fremantle added five players to its list via this draft and this year it dealt with a mix of requirements. It quickly snapped up some midfield excitement and pace with Rhys Palmer (No.7) and Clayton Hinkley (No.24). It was understood Fremantle was always going to take Palmer or David Myers with its first choice - depending on who Essendon took at No.6. In the wash-up, Fremantle was rapt to land the smart Palmer and Hinkley, whose blistering speed was highlighted at the NAB AFL Draft Camp. Local product Chris Mayne, a leading forward, was Fremantle's third selection. And the Essendon flavour continued at Fremantle with the acquisition on small defender/midfielder Mark Johnson and versatile big man Kepler Bradley. The club opted to keep one up its sleeve for the December NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
- 7 - Rhys Palmer (East Fremantle)
- 24 - Clayton Hinkley (North Ballarat Rebels)
- 40 - Chris Mayne (Perth)
- 55 - Mark Johnson (Essendon)
- 69 - Kepler Bradley (Essendon)
- 74 - Pass
GEELONG
The reigning premier entered the draft with one of the most balanced lists in the AFL, but the loss of several talls over the off-season suggested the Cats were going to replenish their stocks with some height. With Geelong trading Steven King (St Kilda) and Henry Playfair (Sydney) and delisting Sam Hunt and Matthew Spencer, recruiting manager Stephen Wells used four of his five selections on talls - the versatile Harry Taylor (193.4cm), ruckman Dawson Simpson (205.9cm), forward Scott Simpson (195.6cm) and defender Dan McKenna (195.3cm). Taylor, who was Geelong's first selection at No.17, was regarded as the best player to attend this year's state-based screenings. The only smaller type was defender/midfielder Adam Donohue, who was claimed via the father-son rule in October.
- 17 - Harry Taylor (East Fremantle)
- 34 - Dawson Simpson (Murray Bushrangers)
- 44 - Scott Simpson (Dandenong Stingrays)
- 50 - Dan McKenna (Gippsland Power)
- 60 - Adam Donohue (Geelong Falcons) - Father-son selection
HAWTHORN
After landing 17 players in this draft in 2004-05-06, Hawthorn was a quieter player in this year's meeting, having just three compulsory selections. The Hawks added super-talented small forward/midfielder Cyril Rioli and ball-winner Brendan Whitecross and reignited the career of 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player Stuart Dew. Rioli had long been on Hawthorn's radar at No.12, but the only question was whether it would pounce on another player who slipped through. In the end, the Hawks opted for the one they always had their eye on. Hawthorn was delighted to snare Whitecross as it believed he would be secured earlier. The intriguing selection was that of Dew. Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was hellbent on getting him to the club and in the end he got his man, after Dew retired at the end of the 2006 season.
- 12 - Cyril Rioli (St Marys)
- 29 - Brendan Whitecross (Zillmere)
- 45 - Stuart Dew (Port Adelaide)
KANGAROOS
Two key forwards (Robbie Tarrant and Josh Smith) were among the highlights for the Kangaroos, as they also added hard-nut Levi Greenwood, defender Scott Thompson and gave injury-struck midfielder Blake Grima a lifeline. The fascinating selection was Tarrant. The Roos were eager to secure the younger brother of Fremantle key forward Chris Tarrant, but it was a matter of whether it was with their first pick (No.15) or second choice (No.32). As it panned out, the 195.9cm Tarrant was claimed as a first-rounder and the Roos snapped up Greenwood at No.32 - one before Port Adelaide's pick. The Power was believed to be very keen on the Port Adelaide Magpie. Thompson was the only VFL player claimed in this year's draft; Smith is a 21-year-old powerful full-forward from the WAFL and Grima was one of two players to be redrafted back to their AFL club.
- 15 - Robbie Tarrant (Bendigo Pioneers)
- 32 - Levi Greenwood (Port Adelaide Magpies)
- 37 - Scott Thompson (Geelong VFL)
- 62 - Josh Smith (West Perth)
- 72 - Blake Grima (Kangaroos)
MELBOURNE
Quality was always going to fall Melbourne's way - considering it entered the draft with three selections inside 21 - but even the Demons were a little surprised to nab three outstanding prospects most clubs rated earlier than where they were claimed - Cale Morton (No.4), Jack Grimes (No.14) and Addam Maric (No.21). Morton was rated by some recruiters as the best player in the draft and Melbourne couldn't believe its luck that the cards fell its way. Recruiting manager Craig Cameron had no hesitation in swooping on the 2007 Larke Medallist, who is a tall midfielder/forward. Grimes is a hard-at-it midfielder with outstanding leadership qualities, and Maric is a small forward who many recruiters believe was the best kick in the draft. Kyle Cheney is a hard-at-it mid-sized defender and Tom McNamara is a 17-year-old tall backman. The red and blue deliberated on their final pick, but opted to save it for December.
- 4 - Cale Morton (Claremont)
- 14 - Jack Grimes (Northern Knights)
- 21 - Addam Maric (Calder Cannons)
- 53 - Kyle Cheney (North Ballarat Rebels)
- 66 - Tom McNamara (South Adelaide)
- 73 - Pass
PORT ADELAIDE
It was no surprise Port Adelaide took key forward Matthew Lobbe, but from the outside it appeared as if the Power was eyeing him off with its third or fourth pick. Still, Port Adelaide was arguably the keenest clubs in the competition for his services. He is a much underrated prospect. The Power also claimed another key forward Mathew Westhoff - the younger brother of highly impressive 2007 debutant Justin - with its third selection, giving it two key talls. Recruiting manager Blair Hartley, the impressive young recruiter sitting in the No.1 chair for the first time, also landed two fine midfielders - Marlon Motlop (No.28) and Mitchell Farmer (No.49). The Power was always aiming for Motlop with its second selection and Farmer was somewhat of a bargain pick, sliding through to No.49 after he was expected to be taken around the 30-mark.
- 16 - Matthew Lobbe (Eastern Ranges)
- 28 - Marlon Motlop (Wanderers)
- 33 - Mathew Westhoff (Central District)
- 49 - Mitchell Farmer (Calder Cannons)
RICHMOND
Richmond came into the meeting with four selections and used three of them - at this early stage, it seems the Tigers maximised each choice. Trent Cotchin, who many recruiters believed was the best player in the draft, was snapped up with Richmond's first pick at No.2. The Tigers couldn't believe their eyes when key defender Alex Rance, the son of ex-Dog and former West Coast captain Murray, was still available at No.18. It was a big surprise Rance slipped that far, considering he was believed to be a certain selection between No.6-14. The Tigers needed to claim a tall backman in this draft and Rance was fortuitously available. Richmond also addressed its ruck stocks and opted for young ruckman Dean Putt, a 202.5cm tall, who has also spent a vast amount of time as a key forward. The Tigers passed at No.64, leaving their options open for next month.
- 2 - Trent Cotchin (Northern Knights)
- 18 - Alex Rance (Swan Districts)
- 51 - Dean Putt (Calder Cannons)
- 64 - Pass
ST KILDA
St Kilda's quest to unearth a young ruckman for the long-term may have been realised on Saturday when it chose Ben McEvoy with its first selection. Behind No.1 draft pick Matthew Kreuzer, McEvoy was regarded as the standout ruckman in the draft. Once it was thought likely that key forward Lachlan Henderson, who was also strongly linked to St Kilda at No.9, would be claimed by the Brisbane Lions at No.8, McEvoy loomed as the most likely. The Saints also added two bottom-age selections with the recruitment of Jack Steven (No.42) and Eljay Connors (No.70). In between, St Kilda redrafted dual Coleman Medallist Fraser Gehrig with its third selection (No.57) after he reversed his decision to retire and nominated for this draft shortly before the 2pm deadline last Wednesday.
- 9 - Ben McEvoy (Murray Bushrangers)
- 42 - Jack Steven (Geelong Falcons)
- 57 - Fraser Gehrig (St Kilda)
- 70 - Eljay Connors (Bendigo Pioneers)
SYDNEY SWANS
For the fourth successive year, the Sydney Swans were a low-key player in this draft, making just the three required picks. In 2004, the Swans had three selections, in 2005 they had three and last year they had four. This year they added midfield pace and ball-winning ability to their stocks. Entering the meeting with Craig Bird already acquired via the New South Wales scholarship scheme, the Swans had just two "live" picks. Bird was regarded as the best NSW prospect in this year's draft. Sydney opted for small midfielder/forward/defender Patrick Veszpremi with its first selection (No.11) and followed up with his Northern Knights teammate Brett Meredith (No.26). Veszpremi was always regarded a No.10-20 selection and in many respects it was not a surprise where he landed. Meredith, a midfielder/forward, had come up the ranks recently after a strong finals series this year.
- 11 - Patrick Veszpremi (Northern Knights)
- 26 - Brett Meredith (Northern Knights)
- 59 - Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) - NSW scholarship scheme
WEST COAST
West Coast entered this draft with the most enviable selections, but only after the loss of superstar skipper Chris Judd, who returned to his native Victoria and landed at Carlton. As a result, the club had pick four picks inside 22 and it reaped some fine rewards on draft day. West Coast looms as the winner at this point, having acquired three first class midfielders in Chris Masten, Brad Ebert and Scott Selwood, along with tall forward Tony Notte, who one recruiting manager believed in the lead-up had the potential to be the best player from this draft. The addition of these midfielders will help offset some of the loss caused by the departures of Judd and Ben Cousins. Masten is a super-consistent ball-winner, Ebert was regarded as the best South Australian in the draft and Selwood is the fourth sibling now in the AFL. It was an excellent meeting for West Coast.
- 3 - Chris Masten (East Fremantle)
- 13 - Brad Ebert (Port Adelaide Magpies)
- 20 - Tony Notte (Swan Districts)
- 22 - Scott Selwood (Bendigo Pioneers)
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs claimed six new players - the second most in the draft behind Adelaide - before opting to pass with their seventh choice, which is poised to be used on ex-Crow Scott Welsh in the Pre-Season Draft. The Dogs were rapt to gain key forward Jarrad Grant with their first pick in the meeting - a player the club had targeted for some time - and they also plucked another tall for the forward 50, Jarrad Boumann. Adding some tall forwards was also a priority for the club. The Dogs also added boosted their midfield run with the addition of Callan Ward, Sam Reid, Easton Wood and Guy O'Keefe. Ward was highly rated and kept climbing up the pecking order in the build up to the draft, while Reid was viewed as one of Queensland's best talents. The Dogs were also very keen on O'Keefe, and Wood was a smokey of the draft, having been plucked from Camperdown.
- 5 - Jarrad Grant (Dandenong Stingrays)
- 19 - Callan Ward (Western Jets)
- 35 - Sam Reid (Zillmere)
- 43 - Easton Wood (Camperdown)
- 48 - Jarrad Boumann (Dandenong Stingrays)
- 63 - Guy O'Keefe (Geelong Falcons)
- 67 - Pass
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