Official 2011 Draft selections

[Pedro Sanchez]

Although probably not our most exciting draft given our F/S selections, let's list all relevant details on our new players here:

[Dry Rot]

According to afl.com (which means it's probably wrong) we only have two live selections (other than F/S and promoted rookies)?

[chef]

According to afl.com (which means it's probably wrong) we only have two live selections (other than F/S and promoted rookies)?

We have 3, picks 74, 88 & 89.

[Pedro Sanchez]

Paul Daffey was the usual author of the AFL phantom drafts was he? I'm sure it was someone else...

[soupman]

The Burgatron (now employed by Melbourne and thus unavailable)

[bulldogsman]

Paul Daffey was the usual author of the AFL phantom drafts was he? I'm sure it was someone else...

Matt Burgan used to do it, he's writing for the Demons now.

[Pedro Sanchez]

Matt Burgan used to do it, he's writing for the Demons now.

Very good - cheers for that. I like Daffey as a writer though... Quite left field and down to earth.

[chef]

Stephen Tiller is the only one to put a price on his head in the draft.

[soupman]

This reverse top 10 is just a waste of time. Once pick 6 was done, it was obvious it would go Polec, Gaff, Day, Bennell and Swallow.

[bulldogsman]

Gosh this reverse order thing is boring, it was pretty obvious who was gonna get taken after Heppell was taken at Essendon. The standard way is much more exciting.

[GVGjr]

Yes, the reverse order isn't working.

[soupman]

Flying through them now. Hard to keep up.

[Pedro Sanchez]

Draft tracker is rubbish - slow and hardly loads up at all..

[comrade]

Darling big slider.

[G-Mo77]

Draft tracker is rubbish - slow and hardly loads up at all..

JUst awful isn't it.

Is it on radio?

[soupman]

SEN are covering it, as are a few others

[G-Mo77]

The radio options are now available on the AFL site. I've got the SEN feed

[LostDoggy]

Loving the Fox Sports pick by pick coverage, overhear bits n pieces...camera man: "Have swans had a pick yet.."

[bulldogsman]

Can't believe the blues got Watson, McCarthy and Mitchell.

[comrade]

Can't believe the blues got all three of Watson, McCarthy and Mitchell

Land of the giants.

I love the fact we have good father/son picks, but geez, it makes the draft boring.

[azabob]

Darling big slider.

Going to West Coast we will see if their culture has changed.

[comrade]

Going to West Coast we will see if their culture has changed.

From all reports, he'll fit in nicely. He can be Masten's wingman when they hit the town after a loss.

[G-Mo77]

From all reports, he'll fit in nicely. He can be Masten's wingman when they hit the town after a loss.

Who is that in your avatar. Is that Alistair Overeem?

[LostDoggy]

#49 to GC - Jacob Gilbee, coincidence? :confused:

[comrade]

Who is that in your avatar. Is that Alistair Overeem?

Yes. Bizarre wig + Overeem = Win.

[bulldogsman]

Freo screw us again taking Josh Mellington.

[Doggy]

Shame for Josh Mellington, had his hopes dashed by Freo. He had stated he hoped to be drafted by us.

[soupman]

Puopolo gone already

[LostDoggy]

Pupolo off to the Hawks :o

[G-Mo77]

Bloody Hawthorn!

[G-Mo77]

Yes. Bizarre wig + Overeem = Win.

Ha, that's cool! :D

[soupman]

Jayden Schofield from East Fremantle.

And Sphanger to West Coast.

[LostDoggy]

Schoefield

[LostDoggy]

Jayden Schofield

Height: 179cm
Weight: 74kg
DOB: 14/05/92
Club: East Fremantle (WA)

Bio: Medium defender from Western Australia who boasts electrifying speed. Made one appearance for WA at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

In his own words
What type of player are you?
Run and carry player, with an ability to break the lines.

Which AFL player do you feel you resemble and why?
Stephen Hill. He reads the play well, breaks the lines and runs and carries, has good skills on both sides and is still developing and improving.

What are your strengths as a footballer?
I can play in any position so am versatile, I have a strong overhead mark, can read the play well and I am skilled on both sides of the body.

What parts of your game would you like to improve?
I think I can get better by improving my leadership skills, my ability to both hold and break tackles, my ability to run out a full game and just my fitness.

Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
West Coast Eagles - Because I am from WA and my family barracks for them.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My Mum and Dad - For letting me move to Perth to fulfil my AFL dream.

[soupman]

EDIT: Alexxx beat me to it

[LostDoggy]

Jayden Schofield from East Fremantle.


WA people what do you know?

[LostDoggy]

Is Casley still available? I'm surprised we didn't draft him.

[GVGjr]

Can't believe the blues got Watson, McCarthy and Mitchell.

The have done very well. Mitchell is a steal

[LostDoggy]

Interesting..could be moulded into a harbrow-type.

[soupman]

Jayden Schofield - Colts team of the year member who has plenty of aggro and showed good form late in the year. Havent seen him but another the locals like and has a bit of the Max Rooke's.

[LostDoggy]

Tom Hill

Height: 199cm
Weight: 82kg
DOB: 07/04/91
Recruited from: Northern Bullants (VAFA)/Northern Knights
Bio: Athletic key forward with strong hands overhead. Excellent speed and agility for his size with sounds skills by foot. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009. Agility for a tall outstanding at Draft Camp (8.31secs - top 22 per cent). Averaged 15 disposals and six marks in 14 games with the Knights this year kicking 21 goals. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

[LostDoggy]

Zephaniah Skinner?

[LostDoggy]

Article about Zepahniah Skinner..we invited him to the oval last December

Edit: What a cracking name

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/12/15/109501_ntsport.html

[bulldogsman]

Interesting Tom Hill. If it's the one i'm thinking of he's a 200cm tall forward/defender

EDIT: That's the one alexxx surprising selection

[divvydan]

Have to admit, thought we'd only draft Skinner if we traded Hill.

From Snoop Dog on BF

Zephi Skinner - NT Thunder / 189cm / 78kg

PROFILE: I will admit it.......I have a 'man crush' on this kid. Been following him all year and it is a shame many of you wont have seen footage of Zephi. Zephi (20yo) is an incredible talent and to give you a sense of it he has been playing Ruck for NT Thunder and is only 189cm. Saw him ruck againt Putt and Hickey and even though they are both 200cm he regularly outleapt them!

Also played on a wing and across HF which is ultimately where I think he will settle at AFL level. Has amazing agility, havent seen his vertical leap results but they will have been huge, he is quick and his left foot is a weapon. Also knows how to kick a goal so presents really well as a Wing / HF type that will be incredibly difficult to match up on.

QAFL team of the Year Member and won the QAFL Rising Star award by a 'country mile' and that is no mean feat when you consider the field included Tom Hickey, Tom Bell, Joel Wilkinson and Todd Grayson the ex Lion (past winners have been guys like Gilbert, Bail, Pask, Armitage so it aint a bad formline). Hasnt received a heap of attention but is very much on the radar of 5-6 clubs so wouldnt be at all surprised to see him land in the National or Rookie Draft.

The issue for him will be getting a club to believe that he can transition those talents and his ability to do the 'freakish' things to AFL Level. If we dont get to see him then we have been robbed of seeing one of the most amazingly talented kids I have seen in some time. this kid is better than Jurrah IMO. From all reports the kid is a treat to be around and the coaching staff of the Thunder cannot speak highly enough of him. Trained with the Doggies last year and unfortunately Doggies may end up rueing the 'one that got away'.

[G-Mo77]

Zephaniah Skinner?

http://blog.acton.org/uploads/Skinner1.gif

[GVGjr]

AFL.com.au just put a picture of Hooper instead of Brodie Moles

[LostDoggy]

Is that it for Tiller? Back home to the SANFL?

[LostDoggy]

AFL.com.au just put a picture of Hooper instead of Brodie Moles

Got em around the wrong way, doh!.

[GVGjr]

Is that it for Tiller? Back home to the SANFL?

Rookie list chance perhaps

[LostDoggy]

rockets on sen

[Scraggers]

A little bit on Schofield ...

Artiicle (http://origin-www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=268&ContentID=167514)

Kicked a couple of goals in the Colts Grand Final for the mighty Sharks as well.

[soupman]

Rocket on SEN
Group of 15 considered for our picks. 3 we got were in top 10.

Schofield
East Freo u18's. Back flanker. Uses ball well. Good run.

Skinner
Jared Brennan like. Laconic. 189/190. Big leap. Good tackler, mercurial talent. 21 years. Hopefully he aclimatises to Melbourne.

Hill
West Sydney underage. 19. Bad knee a couple of years ago. 200cm. Touted early as a ruck but we think he's more of a FF and has good pace, good hands. Developed with Barry Hall's retirement in mind.

Libba and Wallis we rated about 15-20. Both very good inside mids.

[GVGjr]

Decent result.

2 quality mids, a quick and skillful smallish defender, a 188cm athletic forward and a ruckman who can play forward.

Would have liked Casley

[G-Mo77]

Bit harsh by the Saints, drafting players like Gamble and Polo and can't find a spot for Eddy. I guess he's a rookie list chance but it's a bit of a kick in the teeth.

Recycled kings the Saints have turned out to be.

[LostDoggy]

Bit harsh by the Saints, drafting players like Gamble and Polo and can't find a spot for Eddy. I guess he's a rookie list chance but it's a bit of a kick in the teeth.

Recycled kings the Saints have turned out to be.

Would that be due to the Sydney/Paul Roos influence?.

[soupman]

Tom Hill

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/06/06/1225876/168095-tom-hill.jpg

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/11/13/1225953/162503-kevin-sheedy.jpg
(On Left)

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/blessing-in-disguise-for-tom-hill/story-fn53klc6-1225876167731

[LostDoggy]

All in all seems like we did o.k but as always only time will tell.

Welcome aboard and best of luck to the new pups. :)

[bulldogsman]

Would have liked Casley

Maybe a rookie chance, I don't think he tested very well.

[LostDoggy]

Tom Hill

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/06/06/1225876/168095-tom-hill.jpg

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/11/13/1225953/162503-kevin-sheedy.jpg
(On Left)

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/blessing-in-disguise-for-tom-hill/story-fn53klc6-1225876167731


How were we able to draft him if he was with GWS?.

[LostDoggy]

That Sheedy/AD pic just looks wrong.

[soupman]

How were we able to draft him if he was with GWS?.

Dunno but it may be the only instance of a club stealing a player from one of the new clubs instead of the other way around.

[LostDoggy]

Tom Hill in action (2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49p1gu2eiNg

Can't find anything on Zeph or Schofield..

[GVGjr]

How were we able to draft him if he was with GWS?.

He played in their side but he wasn't one of their listed played. He's a bit older. He played with Kruezer a couple of seasons back.

[Curly5]

Hopefully there's a pick 105/1988 amongst them. :cool:

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Were either of Ben Casley and Max Otten drafted? If not any chance of us picking them up in the rookie draft?

[divvydan]

Tom Hill played for GWS this year but he isn't one of the 17yo's that they've already signed. GWS needed other players to field a team in the U-18's and Hill was part of that, despite being a year older. Because he had been injured when underage, he was allowed to play u-18's as a 19yo.

[GVGjr]

I thought the Blues, Cats and Power did very well in the draft.
The Swans did OK as well

[GVGjr]

Were either of Ben Casley and Max Otten drafted? If not any chance of us picking them up in the rookie draft?

Not selected along with a few other decent players as well. Definite rookie chances

[comrade]

We have Mitch Wallis.

We win.

[LostDoggy]

He played in their side but he wasn't one of their listed played. He's a bit older. He played with Kruezer a couple of seasons back.

Ta GVGjr. Gee, add him to Grant, Roughead, Jones, Cordy and hopefully Boumann, we are looking good in the talls department.

[LostDoggy]

http://www.ntnews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/12/15/Skinner.jpg

[bulldogsman]

He played in their side but he wasn't one of their listed played. He's a bit older. He played with Kruezer a couple of seasons back.

He played last year as well, I think was captain or vice captain for Vic Metro or Country but was injured. He was rated very highly as a 16 year old, just has not had a good run with injury the last couple years. Has a lot of talent, just injury prone.

[soupman]

http://www.ntnews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/12/15/Skinner.jpg

Looks like an amputee in that pic.

[EasternWest]

Bit harsh by the Saints, drafting players like Gamble and Polo and can't find a spot for Eddy. I guess he's a rookie list chance but it's a bit of a kick in the teeth.

Recycled kings the Saints have turned out to be.

Thanks Yoda.

[LostDoggy]

Think we might have done ok out of the draft, Hill seems a very good get.

[Mofra]

Skinner is a good get, was playing ruck at 189cm and was touted as one "the Bulldogs let slip" pre-draft. The speedy kid from WA sounds like back-up plan A for Puopolo.

[chef]

I would have liked a tall defender.

[LostDoggy]

I would have liked a tall defender.

Wouldn't be surprised if Hill ends up as a defender.

[ledge]

Now clubs have two Hills to climb to beat us.

[BulldogBelle]

I can see the headline if they both turned it on in the same game... "The hills are alive with the sound of music"

[Bulldog4life]

I would have liked a tall defender.

I agree. Let's hope we get at least one in the rookie draft.

[bulldogsman]

I would have liked a tall defender.

Wasn't really any good ones available once McInness and Delaney were taken though. Rate Hartigan, but was always likely to last to the rookie draft. Same deal with Tom Gordan, too slow. Interesting Chalwell wasn't taken even though there was a lot of love from WC supporters on BF.

[LostDoggy]

I can see the headline if they both turned it on in the same game... "The hills are alive with the sound of music"

Sounds like a Cometti-ism.

[lemmon]

Fairly pleased, Skinner sounds exciting hopefully our own version of Jurrah. I probably would have jumped on Otten at such a late pick, I like his style and could see him holding down a defensive post ala Hargrave or Lake (depending on how he bulks up). Pleased with Hill as well, a little bit of Tippet in the way he goes about it.

[GVGjr]

I wonder if Puopolo was available if we would have actually drafted anyone 18 years of age with our live picks?

Dalrymple suggested that getting a 3rd tall forward was a priority so that just about locks Skinner in with the 2nd live pick and of course Hill is a 19 year old.

[GVGjr]

Fairly pleased, Skinner sounds exciting hopefully our own version of Jurrah. I probably would have jumped on Otten at such a late pick, I like his style and could see him holding down a defensive post ala Hargrave or Lake (depending on how he bulks up). Pleased with Hill as well, a little bit of Tippet in the way he goes about it.

It's an interesting approach but we have obviously addressed a few needs with the exception of a tallish defender.

[lemmon]

It's an interesting approach but we have obviously addressed a few needs with the exception of a tallish defender.

Still a few project backmen left around the mark, hopefully we can snare one in the rookie draft along with Casley

[GVGjr]

Still a few project backmen left around the mark, hopefully we can snare one in the rookie draft along with Casley

I hope they have one on the radar.

[G-Mo77]

Thanks Yoda.

:D

I was just missing the hmmph at the end of it.

[Mitcha]

Fairly pleased, Skinner sounds exciting hopefully our own version of Jurrah. I probably would have jumped on Otten at such a late pick, I like his style and could see him holding down a defensive post ala Hargrave or Lake (depending on how he bulks up). Pleased with Hill as well, a little bit of Tippet in the way he goes about it.
Sorry Lemmon, Max Otten's photo is in the dictionary alongside the words "downhill skier". We have gone past his type.

[lemmon]

Sorry Lemmon, Max Otten's photo is in the dictionary alongside the words "downhill skier". We have gone past his type.

Have only seen him once or twice in the flesh and didnt really notice it to be honest. Good run and dash, backed himself in at the contest my biggest doubt was whether he could gain the size to play a role as a key back or would be destined as a third tall/ half back. There has to have been a genuine concern to see him slip so there must be some substantial credence in your view, fair enough but I still think he's a bargain pick up as a rookie.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Pretty happy on my very limited knowledge.

Schofield looks impressive and Skinner sounds very, very exciting. Hill is an interesting selection, where does this leave Cordy?

Jones > CHF
Grant > 3rd tall type
Skinner > 3rd tall type
Panos/Hill/Cordy > FF?

Either way, we shouldn't have KPF problems for a while. Skinner/Grant in the same forward half could be electric.

Like most, still concerning we have no KPD's coming through. Otherwise, we're filling our holes pretty well.

[Topdog]

RE: all the drafting a backman talk didn't most AFL backs start off as forwards? I always seem to hear "drafted as a forward"

[The Coon Dog]

Herald Sun Wrap Up:

Link (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-2010/western-bulldogs)

[LostDoggy]

RE: all the drafting a backman talk didn't most AFL backs start off as forwards? I always seem to hear "drafted as a forward"

Like Lake, Presti and possibly Scarlett.

[Sockeye Salmon]

RE: all the drafting a backman talk didn't most AFL backs start off as forwards? I always seem to hear "drafted as a forward"

That's because in juniors all the better players play forward or midfield.

[Throughandthrough]

That's because in juniors all the better players play forward or midfield.

Nope.

Many of the better players (read the play and the best kick) are now selected in a Lindsay Gilbee/Harbrow/Hodge from 3 years ago attacking defender sweeper type role.

One of the first positions chosen in a junior team is now what used to be known as the half back flank.

[Mofra]

Like Lake, Presti and possibly Scarlett.
Add McPharlin & Tarrant to that list as a minimum - we sent Boumann back too.

I remember Presti was totuted as a "high leaping exciting key forward".

[LostDoggy]

Add McPharlin & Tarrant to that list as a minimum - we sent Boumann back too.

I remember Presti was totuted as a "high leaping exciting key forward".

I can't imagine Presti being a high leaping exciting anything.

[Desipura]

Does anyone else think Pelschen picked up Puopolo knowing we were keen and perhaps trying to get back at us for not trading Josh Hill to them?
Obviously he rated Puopolo, but I wonder whether that was at the back of his mind?

[The Coon Dog]

Does anyone else think Pelschen picked up Puopolo knowing we were keen and perhaps trying to get back at us for not trading Josh Hill to them?
Obviously he rated Puopolo, but I wonder whether that was at the back of his mind?

No, not at all. It's a $200,000 investment when you draft a youngster these days. No way would you draft someone out of spite.

[Desipura]

No, not at all. It's a $200,000 investment when you draft a youngster these days. No way would you draft someone out of spite.
Hence why I said Im sure he rated him however when weighing up all the players, I would not be surprised if our dealings with them was the deciding factor.

[The Coon Dog]

Hence why I said Im sure he rated him however when weighing up all the players, I would not be surprised if our dealings with them was the deciding factor.

If conflicts at trade time was a reason, Pelchin would be trying to 'white ant' about a dozen clubs.

[ledge]

Just like to congratulate Billie Smedts, shame we couldnt get him and surprised at how high he was picked,not saying he has no talent just hadnt read a lot about him except for one article, hopefully he does his 2 years apprenticeship then comes to us.
I will always remember the old man taking a speccy, loved Alby.

[chef]

Does anyone else think Pelschen picked up Puopolo knowing we were keen and perhaps trying to get back at us for not trading Josh Hill to them?
Obviously he rated Puopolo, but I wonder whether that was at the back of his mind?

I don't think so, they did well to get both Smith and Puopolo who should both be in their round 1 team next year.

[Bulldog4life]

I think that GVGjr might have alluded to this prior to the draft but isn't it ironic that Geelong didn't use pick 58 which they insisted on receiving from us in exchange for Nathan Djukerra.
They used it to upgrade Pods which they could have done with a much later pick.

[GVGjr]

I think that GVGjr might have alluded to this prior to the draft but isn't it ironic that Geelong didn't use pick 58 which they insisted on receiving from us in exchange for Nathan Djukerra.
They used it to upgrade Pods which they could have done with a much later pick.

Its a point not lost on a few people I can assure you. I don't think we are reading things as well as we possibly should be.

[The Doctor]

I think we must have sent a boy (Dalrymple) to do a man's job. Imagine him going toe to toe with Balmey and Wells. I'm not certain what the dilineation of duties are among our recruiting & list management staff and who does the negotiations but the buck would have to stop with Fantasia wouldn't it?

[azabob]

I think that GVGjr might have alluded to this prior to the draft but isn't it ironic that Geelong didn't use pick 58 which they insisted on receiving from us in exchange for Nathan Djukerra.
They used it to upgrade Pods which they could have done with a much later pick.


Its a point not lost on a few people I can assure you. I don't think we are reading things as well as we possibly should be.

I also thought the same thing, however Im not so sure its a simple as that.

Reality is how badly did we want Djukerra? Perhaps we did overplay our hand with how badly we wanted him.

Geelong like us are not in the business of giving other clubs an advantage by trading players for 4th round picks when they are worth a 3rd round.

I think the situation is similar to the Everitt one last year and the Hill one this year. We didn't get what we belived was market value for the player so the trade's did not happen.

Geelong believed that Djukerra was worth a 3rd round pick not a 4th round pick regardless if they were going to use the pick or not.

[Mantis]

I wonder if Puopolo was available if we would have actually drafted anyone 18 years of age with our live picks?

Dalrymple suggested that getting a 3rd tall forward was a priority so that just about locks Skinner in with the 2nd live pick and of course Hill is a 19 year old.

Schofield & Skinner were rated more highly on our list than Puopolo.

[divvydan]

I know Tom Hill came through the Northern Knights program as a junior and Dalrymple was there for a while as well. Anyone know if they have a history together and if that played some part in Dalrymple's choice?

That might sound like a leading question but I am genuinely curious about it and did also note that Veszpremi came through the Northern Knights program as well.

[Sockeye Salmon]

I know Tom Hill came through the Northern Knights program as a junior and Dalrymple was there for a while as well. Anyone know if they have a history together and if that played some part in Dalrymple's choice?

That might sound like a leading question but I am genuinely curious about it and did also note that Veszpremi came through the Northern Knights program as well.

Dalrymple said he had known Hill since Hill was 14

[anfo27]

Schofield & Skinner were rated more highly on our list than Puopolo.

How do you know that?

Do you know who else was on that list of 15?

[Mantis]

How do you know that?

I got a hold of the list via a wikileak. ;)


Do you know who else was on that list of 15?

No idea, but we had Schofield & Skinner very high on our list.

I did hear that we were surprised a couple of kids picked in the 30's went so early and had thought they might be available when we had our first 'live' pick.

[EasternWest]

I got a hold of the list via a wikileak. ;)



No idea, but we had Schofield & Skinner very high on our list.

I did hear that we were surprised a couple of kids picked in the 30's went so early and had thought they might be available when we had our first 'live' pick.

The bit about Skinner and Schofield interests me. From all I've read and heard, they appear to be legitimate selections that we're happy with, not just late draft punts. It's weird they went so late.

[GVGjr]

The bit about Skinner and Schofield interests me. From all I've read and heard, they appear to be legitimate selections that we're happy with, not just late draft punts. It's weird they went so late.

Blayne Wilson might struggle with it though :)

I have had some good reports about Skinners athleticism particular his jumping ability. I hope we have the resources to really help develop him.