We should be Happy we have Pick 4

[bornadog]

Power has done it again and we have Pick 4 in this years draft, plus we have the opportunity to pick Croft who is rated by some as low as pick 11 to 16. This on top of Marra pick 1, then Darcy Pick 2.
We are building for the future..

Having said that, who should we pick.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Power has done it again and we have Pick 4 in this years draft, plus we have the opportunity to pick Croft who is rated by some as low as pick 11 to 16. This on top of Marra pick 1, then Darcy Pick 2.
We are building for the future..

Having said that, who should we pick.

I thought you always maintained we should never trade future firsts? Now that we have, it's OK?

[bulldogtragic]

I thought you always maintained we should never trade future firsts? Now that we have, it's OK?

Snap! :D

[Grantysghost]

Power has done it again and we have Pick 4 in this years draft, plus we have the opportunity to pick Croft who is rated by some as low as pick 11 to 16. This on top of Marra pick 1, then Darcy Pick 2.
We are building for the future..

Having said that, who should we pick.

Define done it again.

Swapped a future first that maybe top 10 for a bunch of useless third round picks?

Freo who beat us in a final finished 14th and coughed up pick 5 to Melbourne.

[DOG GOD]

This is why I don’t rate Power. Darcy and Marra fell in his lap. What else has he done. This is idiotic.

[hujsh]

Power has done it again and we have Pick 4 in this years draft, plus we have the opportunity to pick Croft who is rated by some as low as pick 11 to 16. This on top of Marra pick 1, then Darcy Pick 2.
We are building for the future..

Having said that, who should we pick.

Haha

I'm happy to have pick 4 but like anything it depends on what it costs. Right now we don't know what it has cost so I'll only really be happy with the deal end of next year after seeing how the draftee is looking and how the team has performed. Or I'll potentially be very very upset.

BAD will you be defending the deal next year if we end up having paid a top ten pick +10 and 17?

[hujsh]

This is why I don’t rate Power. Darcy and Marra fell in his lap. What else has he done. This is idiotic.

He did good work early with the likes of Keath/Bruce, not overpaying but bringing in talent the set us up for 2021. Marra and Darcy is more the draft side but he got us the picks I guess to match the bids (not that amazing)

Dunkley was arguably a blemish though I don't know what the alternative was he and Brisbane had no interest in doing us any favors or operating in good faith.

This is crazy pants stuff and feels more like trading Stringer picks for Schache (which gives this more of a Grant stink to it TBH)

[lemmon]

He did good work early with the likes of Keath/Bruce, not overpaying but bringing in talent the set us up for 2021. Marra and Darcy is more the draft side but he got us the picks I guess to match the bids (not that amazing)

Dunkley was arguably a blemish though I don't know what the alternative was he and Brisbane had no interest in doing us any favors or operating in good faith.

This is crazy pants stuff and feels more like trading Stringer picks for Schache (which gives this more of a Grant stink to it TBH)

Was that a Grant move?

[bulldogtragic]

Was that a Grant move?

Yep.

[hujsh]

I guess one other thing that can impact the validity of this deal is waiting to see where exactly all these picks end up after compensation, bidding, matching and so on. This year and next year.

[Grantysghost]

I guess one other thing that can impact the validity of this deal is waiting to see where exactly all these picks end up after compensation, bidding, matching and so on. This year and next year.

Be classic if Watson is gone and he's been the catalyst for this.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Be classic if Watson is gone and he's been the catalyst for this.

Yeah. Disaster if we're left to choose between Duursma and Sanders.

[Grantysghost]

Yeah. Disaster if we're left to choose between Duursma and Sanders.

Hey I need a /s

I meant in terms of wanting a specific player that kicked this off.

But of course we will get a good player none the less at 6.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Power interviewed on dogs website.

Pretty generic. Said we really rated the top end of the draft and we're wary of pick 10 and 17 being pushed back after all the f/s, free agency and academy bids.

[hujsh]

Power interviewed on dogs website.

Pretty generic. Said we really rated the top end of the draft and we're wary of pick 10 and 17 being pushed back after all the f/s, free agency and academy bids.

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/1449534/sam-power-the-top-end-really-aligns-to-our-needs?videoId=1449534&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1696819244001

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Power interviewed on dogs website.

Pretty generic. Said we really rated the top end of the draft and we're wary of pick 10 and 17 being pushed back after all the f/s, free agency and academy bids.

He kind of can't give much until after the draft.

A more elaborate explanation would be interesting (including the plan for the next 1-3 years).

[bulldogsthru&thru]

So we've given up 10 and 17 for pick 4 and next year's first for Croft. That's how I've seen it put. The only way this looks good is with a top 6 finish next year.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

He kind of can't give much until after the draft.

A more elaborate explanation would be interesting (including the plan for the next 1-3 years).

Yeah we obviously have a draft target that we can't even hint at until after the draft. Could be more to play out at the trade table too.

[lemmon]

He kind of can't give much until after the draft.

A more elaborate explanation would be interesting (including the plan for the next 1-3 years).

Sounds like that need is either the specialist small forward in Watson or the classy mid in McKercher. I guess the assumption is that whoever does go at 4 will be ready to slot in and contribute next year.

[The Adelaide Connection]

The good news is we won’t know if swapping 10 & 17 for 4 was a truly bad call for years from now.

The bad news is we won’t know if swapping 10 & 17 for 4 was a truly bad call for years from now.

Damn you, hindsight.

[G-Mo77]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/1449534/sam-power-the-top-end-really-aligns-to-our-needs?videoId=1449534&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1696819244001

I really don't care what he has to say about this, I won't punish myself. This is absolutely disgusting. I wish Inwas on holidays this week.

[DOG GOD]

So we've given up 10 and 17 for pick 4 and next year's first for Croft. That's how I've seen it put. The only way this looks good is with a top 6 finish next year.
We will be lucky to make top 12, let alone top 6.

[bornadog]

I thought you always maintained we should never trade future firsts? Now that we have, it's OK?
I still don?t like it but done now, so let?s look at pick 4


Define done it again.

Swapped a future first that maybe top 10 for a bunch of useless third round picks?

Freo who beat us in a final finished 14th and coughed up pick 5 to Melbourne.
Two picks in first round, ie pick 4 and Croft

Haha

I'm happy to have pick 4 but like anything it depends on what it costs. Right now we don't know what it has cost so I'll only really be happy with the deal end of next year after seeing how the draftee is looking and how the team has performed. Or I'll potentially be very very upset.

BAD will you be defending the deal next year if we end up having paid a top ten pick +10 and 17?
This thread is about pick 4

[hujsh]

This thread is about pick 4

The thread is called 'we should be happy we have pick 4'. Is discussing whether we should be happy to have pick 4 not allowed? Or is that just a statement of fact and not a point of discussion?

[jazzadogs]

The thread is called 'we should be happy we have pick 4'. Is discussing whether we should be happy to have pick 4 not allowed? Or is that just a statement of fact and not a point of discussion?

I might start a thread "we should be unhappy that we have no 2024 first round pick".

[1eyedog]

Yeah we obviously have a draft target that we can't even hint at until after the draft. Could be more to play out at the trade table too.

100% drafting for need rather than best available which is something we haven't really been able to do with elite talent since we drafted Bont in 2013. Have we even had a top 10 pick in ten years outside our Academy / Father Sons?

Happy for us to fill the holes in our list with absolute elite talent.

[1eyedog]

Has Croft even nominated us? Is just as likely to go into the draft imo.

[hujsh]

100% drafting for need rather than best available which is something we haven't really been able to do with elite talent since we drafted Bont in 2013. Have we even had a top 10 pick in ten years outside our Academy / Father Sons?

Happy for us to fill the holes in our list with absolute elite talent.

Bailey Smith and Naughton are two that come to mind

[bornadog]

The thread is called 'we should be happy we have pick 4'. Is discussing whether we should be happy to have pick 4 not allowed? Or is that just a statement of fact and not a point of discussion?
Ok maybe should have put are we happy

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Has Croft even nominated us? Is just as likely to go into the draft imo.

I don't think we'd have done this trade if we weren't confident. It would take a massive blind side for him not to I think. Not really sure why he'd do that either.

[G-Mo77]

I might start a thread "we should be unhappy that we have no 2024 first round pick".
I shudder thinking about that. After our finish in 2023 we've just pissed away our 2024 pick. It's scary what these guys have done and the pick they so badly wanted could be pushed out to #6. It's awful.

[hujsh]

I shudder thinking about that. After our finish in 2023 we've just pissed away our 2024 pick. It's scary what these guys have done and the pick they so badly wanted could be pushed out to #6. It's awful.

It will but the club will know that. 10 and 17 will also get pushed back a fair way and our 1st next year (assuming we at least finish somewhere near the top 8 don't even have to make it) will also get pushed out a fair way. So we're all ending up with less than we just traded on paper (probably)

[Scraggers]

There’s quite a few father/sons and Academy players in 2024 aren’t there? The Camporeale twins for starters. Teams have to be looking beyond this year. If we make top 8 and get pushed back 5 positions with F/S and compensation picks, then I think this trade for pick 4 has merit.

[Bullies]

It will but the club will know that. 10 and 17 will also get pushed back a fair way and our 1st next year (assuming we at least finish somewhere near the top 8 don't even have to make it) will also get pushed out a fair way. So we're all ending up with less than we just traded on paper (probably) We still got 2 first rounders this year - Pick 4 and Croft. We saw our needs and moved on it. We have given up next years first rounder which as you say if we finish in or near top 8 then that pick will get pushed out again due to the number of Father and Sons (Camperoele twins)and Compensation picks. The top 6 in this years draft are far ahead of the others for talent. We will also more than likely have picks for English/Smith next year if they decide to leave. It is a punt worth taking.

[Grantysghost]

So we've given up 10 and 17 for pick 4 and next year's first for Croft. That's how I've seen it put. The only way this looks good is with a top 6 finish next year.

Thats it. Croft for future first, does that mean we think he's worth a top 5? (trollllll) I mean even if we equal this year's efforts it's pick 10. Maybe we just don't rate anyone at around that in next year's batch over Croft.

#iwanttobelieve

[josie]

With the extra late picks back from Suns us it more likely we will be in position to draft Lual and others whom we rate?

[G-Mo77]

With the extra late picks back from Suns us it more likely we will be in position to draft Lual and others whom we rate?

You mean trade them for Harmes and Coffield. :p

[LostDog]

So are we thing Nick Watson and Jordan Croft
Surely Naughton or Croft to the backline,

I can't stand another year of the robot Gardner unless we can upload some sort of AI into him, we need backs and speed

[LostDog]

So are we thinking Nick Watson and Jordan Croft
Surely Naughton or Croft to the backline,

I can't stand another year of the robot Gardner unless we can upload some sort of AI into him, we need backs and speed

[The Doctor]

Power has done it again and we have Pick 4 in this years draft, plus we have the opportunity to pick Croft who is rated by some as low as pick 11 to 16. This on top of Marra pick 1, then Darcy Pick 2.
We are building for the future..

Having said that, who should we pick.

The Wizz

[1eyedog]

Bailey Smith and Naughton are two that come to mind

Thank you I should have said a top 5.

[1eyedog]

You mean trade them for Harmes and Coffield. :p

Harmes and Coffield at their best are an upgrade on what we have been rolling out between player 19-22.

[Scraggers]

Harmes and Coffield at their best are an upgrade on what we have been rolling out between player 19-22.

I agree with you 1ED ... whilst neither Coffield or Harmes are going to set the world on fire, if they're cheap enough, they are definitely an improvement on our current bottom 6.

[jazzadogs]

Harmes and Coffield at their best are an upgrade on what we have been rolling out between player 19-22.

Is Harmes really an improvement on someone like Toby McLean who doesn't get picked?

I fear we would be paying 500k for a Footscray player.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Oh for the days of the 1990's when the draft was such a simple exercise.

My initial gut reaction was mild shock. Now i'm just sweaty.

My fears are sort of tempered by the fact that the majority of opinion so far is positive.

[1eyedog]

I agree with you 1ED ... whilst neither Coffield or Harmes are going to set the world on fire, if they're cheap enough, they are definitely an improvement on our current bottom 6.

And the feeling has been our bottom 5 in particular are the real weak point when compare to the top 6 teams in the competition, at least since our push in 2021.

Looking at it this way I don't mind the thought of Coffield and Harmes, both of which could very easily be best 22 next season.

[1eyedog]

Is Harmes really an improvement on someone like Toby McLean who doesn't get picked?

I fear we would be paying 500k for a Footscray player.

I think he is. When we're talking about a truly cooked player no one springs to mind more than McLean. He's had a wretched run.

Harmes is definitely declining but he can still play a role and his best is better than McNeill, McLean, Scott Crozier, VDM, Garcia and R. Smith.

He'd be in front of a few and that's just a product of how bad the butt end of our list really is.

[hujsh]

If Curtin slides do you take him? Twoomey suggesting he could fall a few places

[bulldogtragic]

If Curtin slides do you take him? Twoomey suggesting he could fall a few places

To 6 after the Walter bid?

[GVGjr]

If Curtin slides do you take him? Twoomey suggesting he could fall a few places

If available we should select him.

[hujsh]

To 6 after the Walter bid?

Not sure
"I still think there's a chance Curtin gets through a few more spots than pick 2 or 3."

[bulldogtragic]

Not sure
"I still think there's a chance Curtin gets through a few more spots than pick 2 or 3."

I don’t think we could say no. Would mean we need that small forward in the trade period.

[SquirrelGrip]

I don’t think we could say no. Would mean we need that small forward in the trade period.

In some ways it's a shame there's no trade period after the draft. For example, if we missed out on Watson, we might then trade for Ginnivan.

[jazzadogs]

If available we should select him.

Am I right that he is a 195cm key defender?

[bulldogtragic]

In some ways it's a shame there's no trade period after the draft. For example, if we missed out on Watson, we might then trade for Ginnivan.

You’ll get hired by AFEL House saying things like that! :D

[bulldogtragic]

Am I right that he is a 195cm key defender?

That can is/can become a tall midfielder too.

[GVGjr]

Am I right that he is a 195cm key defender?

Probably suited to a back man role but very versatile.

[jazzadogs]

That can is/can become a tall midfielder too.

What's the likelihood on that? How many times has someone drafted as a KPD/KPF turned into a midfielder?

Has he played the role at all, or is it just hypothetical that he could be a mid?

(I'm very keen on us drafting a mid with the early pick)

[bulldogtragic]

What's the likelihood on that? How many times has someone drafted as a KPD/KPF turned into a midfielder?

Has he played the role at all, or is it just hypothetical that he could be a mid?

(I'm very keen on us drafting a mid with the early pick)

Publicly spoken about. Pretty sure MJP has mentioned in here something like best case he’s a gun talker mid, worst case he’s a gun tall defender. But has the tools for both.

[choconmientay]

ESPN October Power Rankings

5. Dan Curtin (4)
Claremont/Western Australia
DEF, 195cm, 93kg
WAFL: 6 games, 16.5 disposals, 4.0 marks

Curtin is a pure footballer with the frame to develop into a strong key defender. The West Australian is balanced and makes the right decision with his preferred left foot, but it's his aerial proficiency that has him rated as the best key back in the pool. Curtin flies for his marks and kickstarts transition, and has shown goalkicking prowess up forward and contested ability on-ball.


Youtube highlights:

https://youtu.be/JFjBAp9eCJ8?si=NsIKTmlAjNKj4ujc

[lemmon]

I can't see Curtin being there but he'd be way too good to pass up. I saw a few of his WAFL games late in the season (on TV) and his ability to run with and use the footy is excellent for a big man

[jazzadogs]

ESPN October Power Rankings

5. Dan Curtin (4)
Claremont/Western Australia
DEF, 195cm, 93kg
WAFL: 6 games, 16.5 disposals, 4.0 marks

Curtin is a pure footballer with the frame to develop into a strong key defender. The West Australian is balanced and makes the right decision with his preferred left foot, but it's his aerial proficiency that has him rated as the best key back in the pool. Curtin flies for his marks and kickstarts transition, and has shown goalkicking prowess up forward and contested ability on-ball.


Youtube highlights:

https://youtu.be/JFjBAp9eCJ8?si=NsIKTmlAjNKj4ujc
Thanks choc. Feel like I haven't seen your name around much lately, hope you're well.

I worry that if we go Curtin we are using our first pick two years in a row on a key defender.

[hujsh]

Thanks choc. Feel like I haven't seen your name around much lately, hope you're well.

I worry that if we go Curtin we are using our first pick two years in a row on a key defender.

And Croft. So much for sending him back with the glut of talls forward.

[choconmientay]

Thanks Jazza. I am going OK. Missing in action for a while but seeing G wanting to shut the site, so I thought I'd make a last attempt to come back. Even the dogs is giving James H a go, so G did give me this last chance to be part of woof :)

I watched Watson highlights and did like him a lot and looked up some other small successful forwards in the recent time but I don't believe any of them would get pick as high at pick 4.

- Charlie Cameron- No. 7, 2013 rookie draft, In October 2017, Cameron requested a trade home to Queensland with Brisbane
- Shai Bolton No. 29, 2016 national draft
- Tom Papley - 14th selection 2016 Rookie Draft
- Ian "Bobby" Hill - 24th selection , 2018 AFL draft, wanted to get traded to Bomber but didn't happen and got to Collingwood a year after

Only punch-able face of Toby Greene would come close
- Toby Greene- No. 11, 2011 national draft: Greater Western Sydney

Would we be happy if Watson to get to the level of these small forwards? if not, going for a Mid would be much safer.

[Bulldog4life]

In some ways it's a shame there's no trade period after the draft. For example, if we missed out on Watson, we might then trade for Ginnivan.

With Schultz wanting to go to filth maybe it is a chance. He had a poor GF after being at the races the previous night which Macrae wasn't happy with.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I think this thread title needs to be updated to pick 5

[Grantysghost]

My biggest issue with this deal is the future first.

When you think about it in the context of it being Croft, it doesn't feel so bad.

So I'm warming to it. Draft night I may love it.

[LostDog]

I'd love Curtin and Croft
Upgrade on Keith and Gardener

[bulldogtragic]

I read GWS could get Curtin at 7. So it could be Watson or Curtin. I wonder who MJP wants…

[Grantysghost]

I read GWS could get Curtin at 7. So it could be Watson or Curtin. I wonder who MJP wants…

Pass we need mids not more talls from WA.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Pass we need mids not more talls from WA.

Yeah that's how I feel. I mean Curtin could be great but we just took a defender with our last top pick and we're crying out for a midfielder. Although we're crying out for defenders too I guess.

[bulldogtragic]

Pass we need mids not more talls from WA.


Yeah that's how I feel. I mean Curtin could be great but we just took a defender with our last top pick and we're crying out for a midfielder. Although we're crying out for defenders too I guess.

Looks more like Pavlich than Buss though.

[Grantysghost]

Yeah that's how I feel. I mean Curtin could be great but we just took a defender with our last top pick and we're crying out for a midfielder. Although we're crying out for defenders too I guess.

I'd rather elite mids with our 3 first rounders ;)

Although you do build from the back.

The smart ones on here would take him so looks like we can't go wrong.

[MrMahatma]

If we could get another young KPD, top end talent, we should.

[mjp]

I read GWS could get Curtin at 7. So it could be Watson or Curtin. I wonder who MJP wants…

If you are asking if I think it is smarter to select a 197cm player who can play mid, back or forward or a 170cm player who can play in a forward pocket but nowhere else with a top 5 draft selection, I think the answer should be obvious to everyone.

Watson is great. But he is a 170cm small forward. If it doesn't work out, he's playing country footy. I know that sounds incredibly harsh but it's true...he isn't going to develop into a player who can play as an outside mid...he just isn't. Yep, he's clever and yep, he sees the game well but he's 170cm.

Will I be upset if we draft Watson? Nope. He's exciting and fills a niche role - but given we have just drafted Clarke and Weightman I wonder if we are over-estimating how big this niche is? We need:
- A lock down defender to replace Duryea NOW.
- Some outside run and gun with finishing skills.
- Some inside mid depth - clean hands and the ability to kick.

Watson is great. I'm just not sure I'd be selling out to get him.

[bulldogtragic]

If you are asking if I think it is smarter to select a 197cm player who can play mid, back or forward or a 170cm player who can play in a forward pocket but nowhere else with a top 5 draft selection, I think the answer should be obvious to everyone.

Watson is great. But he is a 170cm small forward. If it doesn't work out, he's playing country footy. I know that sounds incredibly harsh but it's true...he isn't going to develop into a player who can play as an outside mid...he just isn't. Yep, he's clever and yep, he sees the game well but he's 170cm.

Will I be upset if we draft Watson? Nope. He's exciting and fills a niche role - but given we have just drafted Clarke and Weightman I wonder if we are over-estimating how big this niche is? We need:
- A lock down defender to replace Duryea NOW.
- Some outside run and gun with finishing skills.
- Some inside mid depth - clean hands and the ability to kick.

Watson is great. I'm just not sure I'd be selling out to get him.

Can Curtin play next year and if with us, what position?

[SquirrelGrip]

We need:
- A lock down defender to replace Duryea NOW.
- Some outside run and gun with finishing skills.
- Some inside mid depth - clean hands and the ability to kick.

1. Don’t think lock down defenders exist in the junior talent pathways. Would have to trade for this, not draft. Who are the best lockdown defenders in the AFL anyway?
2. Duursma or Wilson most likely for run and gun.
3. Now we are talking pick 6, not 4, Sanders would be the leading inside mid with clean hands.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Given the likely best available at our pick will be Watson, Duursma, Curtin, Sanders and Caddy, what is everyone's order of preference??

Mine would be:

1. Caddy
2. Watson
3. Sanders
4. Curtin
5. Duursma

[dukedog]

If you are asking if I think it is smarter to select a 197cm player who can play mid, back or forward or a 170cm player who can play in a forward pocket but nowhere else with a top 5 draft selection, I think the answer should be obvious to everyone.

Watson is great. But he is a 170cm small forward. If it doesn't work out, he's playing country footy. I know that sounds incredibly harsh but it's true...he isn't going to develop into a player who can play as an outside mid...he just isn't. Yep, he's clever and yep, he sees the game well but he's 170cm.

Will I be upset if we draft Watson? Nope. He's exciting and fills a niche role - but given we have just drafted Clarke and Weightman I wonder if we are over-estimating how big this niche is? We need:
- A lock down defender to replace Duryea NOW.
- Some outside run and gun with finishing skills.
- Some inside mid depth - clean hands and the ability to kick.

Watson is great. I'm just not sure I'd be selling out to get him.

I agree with your thinking in general.

But Caleb Daniel says Hi. :)
Lachie Neale 178cm

[1eyedog]

If you are asking if I think it is smarter to select a 197cm player who can play mid, back or forward or a 170cm player who can play in a forward pocket but nowhere else with a top 5 draft selection, I think the answer should be obvious to everyone.

Watson is great. But he is a 170cm small forward. If it doesn't work out, he's playing country footy. I know that sounds incredibly harsh but it's true...he isn't going to develop into a player who can play as an outside mid...he just isn't. Yep, he's clever and yep, he sees the game well but he's 170cm.

Will I be upset if we draft Watson? Nope. He's exciting and fills a niche role - but given we have just drafted Clarke and Weightman I wonder if we are over-estimating how big this niche is? We need:
- A lock down defender to replace Duryea NOW.
- Some outside run and gun with finishing skills.
- Some inside mid depth - clean hands and the ability to kick.

Watson is great. I'm just not sure I'd be selling out to get him.

While I 100% agree with you I'd give up two picks in the top 10 for an Eddie Betts / Stephen Milne level player.

I have no idea how good Watson is / will be but he's not consistently ranked top 5 for no reason and man would I love a really good player of this type. Weightman ain't it and Clark is highly speculative.

An elite small, smart, crumb forward has never been more critical to us than now with the heat we are packing up forward.

Naughton, Jamarra, Weightman and Watson would be ridiculous.

[Grantysghost]

Given the likely best available at our pick will be Watson, Duursma, Curtin, Sanders and Caddy, what is everyone's order of preference??

Mine would be:

1. Caddy
2. Watson
3. Sanders
4. Curtin
5. Duursma

1. Sanders
2. Watson
3. Curtin
4. Duursma
5. Caddy

[GVGjr]

If you are asking if I think it is smarter to select a 197cm player who can play mid, back or forward or a 170cm player who can play in a forward pocket but nowhere else with a top 5 draft selection, I think the answer should be obvious to everyone.

Watson is great. But he is a 170cm small forward. If it doesn't work out, he's playing country footy. I know that sounds incredibly harsh but it's true...he isn't going to develop into a player who can play as an outside mid...he just isn't. Yep, he's clever and yep, he sees the game well but he's 170cm.

Will I be upset if we draft Watson? Nope. He's exciting and fills a niche role - but given we have just drafted Clarke and Weightman I wonder if we are over-estimating how big this niche is? We need:
- A lock down defender to replace Duryea NOW.
- Some outside run and gun with finishing skills.
- Some inside mid depth - clean hands and the ability to kick.

Watson is great. I'm just not sure I'd be selling out to get him.

The interesting part about Watson is later in the season he was moved onto a wing and we didn't see the high level performances from earlier in the year so there has to be some questions on if he can perform in the midfield at the senior level.
Even in 2022 he was catching the eye as a high energy forward more than also some impressive stints in the midfield.

It certainly doesn't mean he couldn't get there but it's one of the reasons why I think he has slipped down a lot of the talent lists.

It's hard to be critical of the club if they've positioned to get him but I think it's a reach and I hope we have some other players in mind. Perhaps if we land Watson we will call Sam Power the Mountie going forward.

[Topdog]

An elite small, smart, crumb forward has never been more critical to us than now with the heat we are packing up forward.


I dont watch any of the U18s but is Watson that? All the highlights I saw made it look like he is a Weightman clone.

[Bulldog4life]

1. Sanders
2. Watson
3. Curtin
4. Duursma
5. Caddy

If Sanders was at our pick it would be a bonus. I like him.

[Mofra]

Be classic if Watson is gone and he's been the catalyst for this.
I'd be wrapped. It means one of the 'better' prospects slides to us

[Mofra]

I dont watch any of the U18s but is Watson that? All the highlights I saw made it look like he is a Weightman clone.
He's played up the ground a fair bit too.
He's not a pure crumber and I have concerns about including a F1 pick for the trade up.

[Grantysghost]

If Sanders was at our pick it would be a bonus. I like him.

I'm all aboard the Sanders train B4L.

[SquirrelGrip]

I'm all aboard the Sanders train B4L.

And he?s always been aboard ours too.

https://i.postimg.cc/yNVBysYT/IMG-1420.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gxBfY9hw)

[Jasper]

I'd be wrapped. It means one of the 'better' prospects slides to us

What was all the news that North got the AFL to acknowledge him as a NGA player for? Surely they take him at pick 3?

[hujsh]

What was all the news that North got the AFL to acknowledge him as a NGA player for? Surely they take him at pick 3?

You can't take NGA kids inside the top 40 picks anymore IIRC. That's why we won't get Lual if someone picks him in the top 40. GWS and GC being exceptions I think.

Was changed after Jamarra and now other clubs that would have benefited miss out

[GVGjr]

You can't take NGA kids inside the top 40 picks anymore IIRC. That's why we won't get Lual if someone picks him in the top 40. GWS and GC being exceptions I think.

Was changed after Jamarra and now other clubs that would have benefited miss out

You can't match bids for NGA players prior to pick 40 but I think the question asked is if they rate him so highly could they consider taking him at #3?

[Grantysghost]

And he?s always been aboard ours too.

https://i.postimg.cc/yNVBysYT/IMG-1420.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gxBfY9hw)

Oh god....

Thats a lot of secret herbs and spices for KFB.

[Axe Man]

What was all the news that North got the AFL to acknowledge him as a NGA player for? Surely they take him at pick 3?

North wanted another free kick from the AFL by being able to match a bid for Sanders inside the top 40, despite it being against the rules. Thankfully the AFL didn't pay that one, but gave them plenty of other charities. I'm not sure it is any reflection on how they rate him compared to others.

[Cyberdoggie]

I agree with your thinking in general.

But Caleb Daniel says Hi. :)
Lachie Neale 178cm

I think that would be ok if we drafted Watson at pick 46 like Caleb. Pick 4 though, is he that good? is there potential to improve?
Unless he ends up being Charlie Cameron like, it's a huge call to select on small forward at pick 4 over a dominant mid.
Remember we got the Bont at pick 4. Would you pick any small forward over the Bont? CC would be the only one that would even come close to consideration, and that is with the benefit of hindsight. I just don't see the potential growth in a small forward like Watson to warrant pick 4.

I like the look of Duursma, reminds me of a young Bont. There is plenty of development in his frame as well.
I don't see that as much with Reid, Watson and Sanders, but i guess we'll see.

Priority for me is that run and gun pace through the middle.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Just saw Metro highlights, Nick Watson remimded me of Brad Johnson.

[Go_Dogs]

I?ve come around to the pick upgrade.

Lots to play out still, however looking like we can get a high quality player. I don?t know enough about them to have a view on who we should target over others. I do agree selecting a small player who may only be able to play small forward is a risk. It?s definitely an area of need having a player who has elite agility, speed and ability to crumb / apply defensive pressure.

For some reason I keep thinking of Ben Kennedy who I rated very highly if you trawl back through the depths of this forum. He was fast, an excellent kick and I was sure destined for a long career.

[dukedog]

I think that would be ok if we drafted Watson at pick 46 like Caleb. Pick 4 though, is he that good? is there potential to improve?
Unless he ends up being Charlie Cameron like, it's a huge call to select on small forward at pick 4 over a dominant mid.
Remember we got the Bont at pick 4. Would you pick any small forward over the Bont? CC would be the only one that would even come close to consideration, and that is with the benefit of hindsight. I just don't see the potential growth in a small forward like Watson to warrant pick 4.

I like the look of Duursma, reminds me of a young Bont. There is plenty of development in his frame as well.
I don't see that as much with Reid, Watson and Sanders, but i guess we'll see.

Priority for me is that run and gun pace through the middle.

For sure, I agree if watson was only ever going to be a small forward. I think Neale was a high pick in the 50's or something. I guess it also depends whether a team thinks he could become something else. it would be a tough job selecting in drafts, so many fail to live up to it in the top 10. if i was picking id pick MCkerch/sanders. safer bet in my opinion. especially when we need some midfield speed.
\
Mind you i reckon Caleb D would go alright in the midfield like a little terrier.