The Under 18 National Championships are in full swing, the squads have been cut, and in his own words, the whips are cracking.
Admittedly there is still plenty more to do before the November 27 draft at the Gold Coast Convention Centre – most notably the draft combine – but over the next two weeks, Elshaug expects the cream to rise to the top.
“We’re into the fifth week of the championships now,” he told SAINTS.com.au this week.
“We’re getting to the end now and the whips are starting to crack. The squads have now been reduced to 25. Previously there was a group of at least 32 players play for each state so now it’s been funnelled down… it’s a really exciting time of the year.”
Vic Metro, Western Australia, Vic Country and South Australia are all in action on Friday at Simonds Stadium, while the Northern Territory, Queensland, NSW/ACT and Tasmania will do battle at Windy Hill on Saturday.
Click here for the full Under 18s National Championships fixture.
St Kilda’s recruiting team, led by list manager Ameet Bains and Elshaug, will pay close attention to the football over the next 10 days, but are also diligent in their character assessments of the players.
“Our aim is to establish a draft pool of 50 or so names that we feel are draft-worthy players,” Elshaug said.
“Although we’ve spoken to every player now at one point or another, it’s the home visits that are critical to us understanding their character and upbringing.”
This week Alan Richardson flagged the need for a tall forward in November’s draft following the 2013 selections of midfielders Jack Billings, Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres.
“It’s a draft where if you’re down the bottom end, you’re probably likely to have access to a reasonable tall and probably a tall that plays in the front end,” the first-year coach said.
“You don’t play for draft picks, but if it is that you’re going to have a period where you need to rebuild, and that coincides with the type of player you need for your team – then that’s good timing.”
Ben Lennon, Luke McDonald and Jack Billings at last year's draft combine.
The top end of the 2014 draft is less straightforward than in previous years, when the number one pick was all but locked in by July.
And while the player is likely to be a key position prospect, there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding the likely first round picks and their order.
“There are obviously a number of good young talls in the draft. Where do they sit? Time will tell,” Elshaug said.
“There have been various names thrown around and over the next two weeks someone might just rise to the top, but at present there is no obvious number one.
“Our draft strategy is deliberate and considered. The decisions we make will be based on extensive research and planning.”
And while the player is likely to be a key position prospect, there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding the likely first round picks and their order.
“There are obviously a number of good young talls in the draft. Where do they sit? Time will tell,” Elshaug said.
“There have been various names thrown around and over the next two weeks someone might just rise to the top, but at present there is no obvious number one.
“Our draft strategy is deliberate and considered. The decisions we make will be based on extensive research and planning.”
