Did your AFL Team get its Draft selections right?

No.1 Pick David Swallow on Draft Day, source www.afl.com.au

Adelaide: What they needed?

The Crows needed to inject depth back into their midfield for years to come with the departure of Goodwin, Edwards, McLeod and co. Also needed to get a tall that could play either end. The pure fact though is Adelaide needed to stock up on midfielders and in this draft they did that.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
14	Brodie Smith	18	189cm	80kg	Midfielder	Wins his own ball and has speed and endurance	Big Tick
61	Jarryd Lyons	18	183cm	79kg	Midfielder	Good footy smarts and endurance that kicks goals	Time will tell
82	Ricky Henderson	22	190cm	87kg	Forward	Promoted rookie	Tick
97	Matthew Jaensch	21	181cm	80kg	Forward	Promoted rookie	Jury is out
107	Luke Thompson	19	193cm	86kg	Defender	Promoted rookie	Bit Player

Sports Analytics INC says: One high draft pick saw Adelaide draft a local boy. Brodie Smith has loads of talent but question marks exist on his disposal. In today’s game hitting targets means everything and Smith will need to develop this area of his game over summer.

Brisbane: What they needed?

The Lions needed a lot this year. Depth in their midfield was an absolute must as this year when their second-unit midfielders were on the ball, they got smashed. Also needed to backfill the departures of utility players like Jarred Brennan and find some support for Fevola and Brown up forward that provide different types of qualities up forward.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
4	Jared Polec	18	188cm	81kg	Midfielder	Ball-carrier, evasive and great kick	Big Tick
25	Patrick Karnezis	18	190cm	78kg	Forward	Creative but questions on defensive side	Project player
28	Ryan Lester	18	190cm	83kg	Defender	Attack on ball and overhead game	Will take time to develop
32	Josh Green	18	179cm	76kg	Midfielder / Forward	Versatile and good at stoppages	Is small so may take time
65	Clay Beams	19	182cm	78kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Still needs time

Sports Analytics INC says: Took a number of midfielders with Polec going to be an elite player for them for a decade. The midfielders taken are all run and carry types to compliment the Rich, Black and Power mould of midfielders they currently have. A solid drafting crop for the Lions who were burnt so bad last year.

Collingwood: What Collingwood needed?

The defending premier looks in fantastic shape regardless of the draft, however as the game continues to increase in speed, the need for pace and skill is always paramount. Collingwood did handy things in trade week getting a backman to backfill Presty and Krakouer to inject more magic.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
45	Alex Fasolo	18	182cm	79kg	Midfielder	Efficient disposal	Tick
46	Daniel Farmer	18	189cm	82kg	Forward	Gifted one-one player	Will take time to develop
60	Kirk Ugle	18	171cm	68kg	Forward	Pace, Pace, Pace	Still very small and will take time
76	Paul Seedsman	18	188cm	70kg	Midfielder	Has pace and agility in abundance	Needs a year or two in the weights room
77	Trent Stubbs	18	186cm	77kg	Forward	Medium forward who could be a steal at 77	Tick
91	Jarryd Blair	20	174cm	77kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Tick
92	Lachlan Keeffe	20	204cm	94kg	Ruckmen	Promoted rookie	Time will tell
104	Tom Young	18	192cm	89kg	Defender	Promoted rookie	Time will tell

Sports Analytics INC says: The Pies went after pace and got pace. Fair to say many of these picks will be speculative and they will hope they will prosper in a solid system with fantastic facilities. Derek Hine has an uncanny ability to pick diamonds from the rough.

Carlton: What Carlton Needed?

The Blues needed key position players to hold down back and up forward. It’s fair to say they never could fill the hole that Fevola left last year, and they could not cope with the monster forwards down back. As a result, the Blues looked to fill these gaps:

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
18	Matthew Watson	18	195cm	98kg	Defender	Thumping left foot, and strong body already	Big Tick
34	Patrick McCarthy	18	194cm	94kg	Defender	3rd man up type with rebound capabilities	Tipped as the big steal of the draft
42	Luke Mitchell	18	196cm	96kg	Forward	Strong contested mark	Injury problems could hinder
67	Andrew McInnes	18	189cm	83kg	Defender	Disciplined medium defender with good rebound	Big tick
70	Nicholas Duigin	26	NA	NA	Defender	Mature age player	Surprise pick
85	Jeff Gartlett	21	180cm	74kg	Forward	Promoted rookie	Tick
99	David Ellard	21	177cm	78kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Time will tell
108	Simon White	22	190cm	98kg	Defender	Promoted rookie	Time will tell

Sports Analytics INC says: The Blues have gone hard at selecting key position players which was a pressing need. They have recruited possibly two of the top 5 key position players in Watson and McCarthy at steals with picks 18 and 34. This was a good draft for the Blues considering the compromised conditions due to the Gold Coast.  

Essendon: What Essendon needed?

Essendon were desperate to add midfield grunt, strength and run to a midfield that is led by the lone ranger in Jobe Watson. At pick number 8, the Bombers needed a powerhouse midfielder. Also a forward/ruckman type was required since Hille and Ryder seem to be the only ruck types that will be mainstays in this position for years to come.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
8	Dyson Heppell	18	187cm	79kg	Midfield/Defender	Luke Hodge type with strong left foot and ferocious attackon the ball	Big tick except has groin worries
31	Ariel Steinberg	18	191cm	84kg	Forward	A gamble, but quick on lead who has been abroad this year	Questionable
48	Alex Browne	18	186cm	86kg	Defender	Aggressive player who can play in midfield	Project player
64	Luke Davis	17	190cm	82kg	Defender	Speedy with power with strong efficiency by foot	Tick
80	Michael Ross	19	184cm	74kg	Midfielder	Has run and carry	Project player
106	Ben Howlett	22	180cm	76kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: The Bombers picked up Heppell who was touted as being a higher pick. His injury worries concerning his groin is why he slipped to pick 8. Many experts might believe they should have picked up Shaun Atley. Other picks were more versatile defender come midfielder types that will no doubt need time. Steinberg was a big surprise that might backfill the Jay Neagle spot.

Fremantle: What Fremantle needed?

Fremantle traded for players before the draft with the Gold Coast pre-listed picks. Fremantle has been extremely savvy with drafting the past couple of years and this year they were keen to continue the trend. A bevvy of midfield talent meant the Dockers could look at defenders and key position players to support their developing young midfield brigade.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
20	Jayden Pitt	18	188cm	72kg	Forward	Decision-making and disposal is elite.	Light frame that will need time
44	Viv Michie	18	185cm	79kg	Forward	Slick disposal and flashy type	Needs to improve work rate
56	Josh Mellington	18	186cm	78kg	Forward	Opportunist in the Ballantyne mould	Tick
87	Michael Barlow	22	191cm	92kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Big Tick
100	Matt de Boer	20	189cm	87kg	Midfielder	Promoted Rookie	Big Tick
109	Alex Silvagni	23	191cm	90kg	Defender	Promoted Rookie	Big Tick
112	Jay van Berlo	22	186cm	83kg	Midfielder	Promoted Rookie	Big Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: This draft is fantastic for Fremantle. Jayden Pitt is a smooth player that rarely wastes a disposal. The fact they got the Rookie draft so right last year, means the promotions to the senior list are exquisite. Sports Analytics INC believes Fremantle are Collingwood’s big challenger next year.

Geelong:  What Geelong needed?

The Cats needed to backfill their ageing stars down back and up forward. There is enough midfield talent to see the Cats remain a powerhouse for a few more years, however last year it was worrying down back and up forward against quick teams with strong pressure.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
15	Billie Smedts	18	188cm	78kg	Defender / Forward	Great poise and vision	Tick
23	Cameron Guthrie	18	186cm	79kg	Defender	Takes marks from opposition kicks like Tom Harley	Tick
37	George Horlin-Smith	18	185cm	75kg	Forward	Versatile	Surprise smokey
54	Jordan Schroder	17	182cm	85kg	Midfielder	Stocky hard at it midfielder	Tick
58	James Podsiadly	29	193cm	102kg	Forward	Promoted Rookie	Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: This draft is fantastic for Fremantle. Jayden Pitt is a smooth player that rarely wastes a disposal. The fact they got the Rookie draft so right last year, means the promotions to the senior list are exquisite. Sports Analytics INC believes Fremantle are Collingwood’s big challenger next year.

Gold Coast: What the Gold Coast needed?

The world was the Gold Coast’s oyster. They had the perfect platform to pick the best kids to deliver a 2014-15 premiership side. From looking at the mature talent recruited from other clubs, the Suns needed key position players and more class and with the top picks, they certainly got their chance to pick these kids:

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
1	David Swallow	18	186cm	83kg	Midfielder	In and under ball magnet	Big Tick
2	Harley Bennell	18	184cm	70kg	Midfielder	Lightning quick with pure class	Light frame will take time
3	Sam Day	18	195cm	94kg	Forward	Monster of man and fantastic on lead with great hands	Big Tick
7	Josh Caddy	18	186cm	82kg	Midfielder	Powerful at clearances who crashes and bashes	Will play straight away
9	Dion Prestia	18	175cm	82kg	Midfielder	Peter Bell clone with a better kick	Huge Tick
10	Daniel Gorringe	18	200cm	92kg	Ruckmen	First ruckmen of draft who is super athletic	Big Tick
11	Tom Lynch	18	196cm	90kg	Forward	Risky but has massive upside	Project player
13	Seb Tape	18	191cm	85kg	Defender	Close checking with strong closing speed	Big Tick
39	Jeremy Taylor	18	191cm	83kg	Defender	Strong and has huge endurance	Project player
49	Jacob Gillbee	18	184cm	76kg	Forward	Goal kicker who has good defensive pressure	Another Project player

Sports Analytics INC says: The golden draft for years to come. Gold Coast took the cream of the crop and a perfect blend of midfield, key position and ruck stocks to complement the mature age recruits in the likes of Ablett, Brennan, Bock, Brown and Co.

Hawthorn: What Hawthorn Needed?

The Hawks were in the ball game to continue to add grunt and hardened bodies around the ball and also were keen to add pace as this year there were doubts that they had too many similar type players. Also the Hawks are desperate for backmen.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
19	Isaac Smith	21	187cm	75kg	Midfielder	Mature age VFL player who is likely to be the Barlow next year	Big Tick
38	Mitch Hallahan	18	182cm	82kg	Midfielder	Tough as nails	Tick
55	Angus Litherland	18	192cm	83kg	Defender	Speedy defender who can hit targets	Needed this type
66	Paul Puopolo	22	175cm	75kg	Defender	Another mature age who is tough and hardened	Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: Recruited what they needed and with two mature recruits, they should see senior football next year. Isaac Smith is a sensational story who might just be the Michael Barlow of 2011. Productive draft without being super.

North Melbourne: What North Melbourne needed?

After last years bumper crop of midfielders in Bastinac, Cunnington, Wright all playing super footy last year, North were primed to take more variety in their draft picks this year.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
17	Shaun Atley	18	188cm	84kg	Midfielder	Inside midfielder with explosive speed. Judd like	Absolute steal at #17
27	Kieren Harper	18	187cm	80kg	Forward	Flanker with polish	Project player type
69	Cameron Delaney	18	192cm	82kg	Defender	Good closing speed with upside	Project player type
71	Ben Mabon	18	198cm	81kg	Ruck	Good stoppage ruckmen	Long-term prospect
98	Ben Speight	20	183cm	78kg	Midfielder	Promoted Rookie	Time will tell

Sports Analytics INC says: Quite possibly could have recruited the NAB rising star next year at #17 in Shaun Atley. Has all the makings of the modern footballer and is tough as nails inside but breaks the lines. At Sports Analytics INC we cannot believe this guy slipped to #17. The rest of the picks are more project players with different skills that will hopefully develop quick and fast for the young kanagoos list.

Melbourne: What Melbourne needed?

Melbourne needed a number of key position players to complement the wealth of midfield talent coming through the ranks and needed to provide some support for Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah up forward.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
12	Lucas Cook	18	194cm	82kg	Forward	All-Australian Forward who reads ball well	Tick
33	Jeremy Howe	20	192cm	85kg	Forward	Mature recruit who can play straight away	Tick
50	Troy Davis	18	192cm	90kg	Defender	Extremely fast for size	Time will tell
53	Tom McDonald	18	194cm	88	Forward/ Ruckmen	Versatile big man	Project player
81	Jordie McKenzie	20	186cm	79kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Big tick
96	Jake Spencer	21	203cm	101kg	Ruckmen	Promoted rookie	Debatable

Sports Analytics INC says: A less prodigous draft this year than last year, however the Dees have heavily focused on tall timber and rightly so. Hopefully the key position players will add enough size over the summer to warrant senior selection early next year to support Jurrah, Watts.

Port Adelaide: What Port Adelaide needed?

Port need forwards, midfielders and key defenders. But most importantly forward targets to spread the load now Treadrea is no longer up forward. The fact that Port also have a gap between the elder statesmen and the young crop, with little in the middle highlights this draft needs to find a couple of likely types

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
16	Ben Jacobs	18	186cm	82kg	Midfielder	Quarterback like with booming kick	Tick
35	Ben Newton	18	183cm	76kg	Midfielder	Wins own footy and is tough as nail	Tick
36	Aaron Young	18	188cm	77kg	Forward	Mid marking forward who is a strong mark	Project Player
52	Cameron O’Shea	18	191cm	86kg	Defender	Strong work ethic, and endurance could play straight away	Tick
68	Cameron Hitchcock	20	175cm	75kg	Forward	Promoted Rookie	Tick
83	Danny Meyer	24	183cm	80kg	Midfielder	Promoted Rookie	Had his chances - questionable

Richmond: What Richmond needed?

The tigers needed to add more depth in most positions. More grunt in midfield to help Dustin Martin and Co, more forward targets to help Riewoldt and a couple of key defensive posts to share the load. 

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
6	Reece Conca	18	182cm	76kg	Midfielder	Speedy and composed inside and out	Big Tick
30	Jake Batchelor	18	187cm	82kg	Defender	Quarterback style defender	Tick
47	Brad Helbig	18	185cm	79kg	Midfielder	Finds own ball	Time will tell
51	Dean MacDonald	18	184cm	87kg	Forward	Solidly built medium forward and goal kicker	Tick
63	Tom Derickx	22	184cm	87kg	Forward	Strong body who plays up forward	Time will tell
94	David Gourdis	21	193cm	93kg	Defender	Promoted rookie	Time will tell

Sports Analytics INC says: An elite midfielder who will play seniors round 1 next year in Conca that will add depth to their midfield. The rest were more support players for the existing forwards and defenders who already have big bodies. Good solid draft for the Tigers.

St. Kilda: What St.Kilda needed?

The Saints needed pace, skill and and an ability to hit forward targets. Also needed insurance for their ageing backline and another forward option to help lighten the load on Riewoldt.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
24	Jamie Cripps	18	182cm	78kg	Defender	Speedy backmen who takes risks	Tick
43	Sam Crocker	18	180cm	73kg	Midfield / Forward	Quick and strong with good decision making	Time will tell
59	Tom Ledger	18	178cm	73kg	Midfielder	More pace	Time will tell
75	Aaron Siposs	17	188cm	82kg	Forward	More pace and can kick	Time will tell
90	Ryan Gamble	23	184cm	85kg	Forward	Could be the 3rd tall up forward type	Questionable
103	Dean Polo	24	187cm	83kg	Defender	Can lock down and is hard at it	A big no no
111	Tom Simpkin	20	191cm	87kg	Defender	Promoted rookie	Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: Jamie Cripps is a good pick up with the other young crop more development types that have exceptional pace. Ryan Gamble might be a handy pickup if he spreads defenses away from Riewoldt up forward. The recycling characteristics by the Saints has not often worked of late and Sports Analytics INC has big concerns with Polo getting another shot at it.

Sydney:  What Sydney needed?

Sydney needed to stock up on defenders with Bolton in trouble with injury concerns. The swans also need to add more midfield class to support the types of Hannebery etc. A forward also could not hurt as insurance for Bradshaw.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
21	Jed Lamb	18	181cm	78kg	Forward	Classy leading mid-forward	Big tick
40	Luke Parker	18	182cm	83kg	Midfielder	Great in clearance work	Time will tell
57	Alex Johnson	18	193cm	82kg	Defender / Forward	Versatile key position	Long term proposition
73	Matt Spangher	23	195cm	95kg	Defender	Another key position recycled player	Tick
101	Mike Pyke	26	201cm	105kg	Ruckman	Promoted Rookie	Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: Sydney have looked at securing talent at both bookends of the field which is a smart move given their key position players are in their twilight of their careers. Jed Lamb should be a beauty.

West Coast: What West Coast needed?

Anyone who watched West Coast this year would know, they needed players who did not butcher the ball. The Eagles this year were turnover ridden and this results in many goals kicked against in today’s modern era. Regardless of size and play type – good skills is a must

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
4	Andrew Gaff	18	183cm	79kg	Midfielder	Massive work ethic and non-stop runner	Big tick
26	Jack Darling	18	191cm	94kg	Forward	Needs to continue working on ethic but big wraps	Tick
29	Scott Lycett	18	202cm	95kg	Ruck	Agile ruckman	Tick
62	Jacob Brennan	20	188cm	90kg	Midfielder	Shut down type that developed late	Time will tell
78	Lewis Stevenson	21	188cm	92kg	Defender	Promoted rookie	Time will tell
84	Callum Wilson	22	192cm	94kg	Forward	Promoted rookie	Tick
93	Andrew Strijk	23	183cm	78kg	Utility	Can kick goals	Tick

Sports Analytics INC says: West Coast could have looked at more untried talent – they only used 3 picks although Andrew Gaff will be super and should help improve the midfield’s poor disposal led by Matthew Priddis. Still not a super draft crop aside from Gaff and Darling.

Western Bulldogs: What the Western Bulldogs needed?

The bulldogs needed another key defender, pacy midfielders and more individual brilliance up forward. The brilliance of two years ago has mellowed into a more dour team. They to inject tough, skilled talent into their midfield and defense.

Draft Pick #	Name	Age	Height	Weight	Position	Key Strengths	Tick of Approval
22	Mitch Walls	18	185cm	79kg	Midfielder	Super player that is a ball magnet	Big tick
41	Tom Liberatore	18	182cm	78kg	Midfielder	Strong clearance player and tackler	Big tick
74	Jayden Schofield	18	179cm	74kg	Defender	Has an abundance of pace	Tick
88	Zephaniah Skinner	21	NA	NA	Forward	Flashy forward who can turn on the burners	Time will tell
89	Tom Hill	18	199cm	82kg	Utility	Athletic forward that can play back	Time will tell – needs to fill out
102	Brodie Moles	25	184cm	85kg	Midfielder	Promoted rookie	Tick
110	Andrew Hooper	18	172cm	79kg	Forward	Promoted rookie	Time will tell

Sports Analytics INC says: The bulldogs get two first rounders through father-son and have recruited deep on untried talent late in the draft. A super crop headed by the two father-son recruits who will likely play senior football straight away.