Now keeper selections are in, and the draft pool for 2020 established, I thought I’d try my hand at getting into everyone’s head and working out how the first 2 rounds of the draft will pan out.
Pick 1
Solomon’s Soldiers – Matt Rowell
The number 1 pick in the AFL draft looks set to follow in Sam Walsh’s footsteps and begin his fantasy career as our number 1 as well. Had a statistically better year than Walsh’s draft year, and with the price I paid for this pick, this seems the slam dunk choice.
Pick 2
Solomon’s Soldiers – Noah Anderson
Once again just like in the AFL, Anderson is set to join Rowell on the same team. There was no compensation package that made this pick happen, instead once again off-season trading was how the double act have been able to team up again, and so surely, I couldn’t pick anyone else… could I?
Pick 3
Redshins – Marlion Pickett
I have it from some very (un)reliable sources that Chris’s final words upon handing over the reigns of this team to Jaye was to draft Marlion Pickett to his team to honour the previous 5 years Tiger loving ways. Whether Jaye will hold to this remains to be seen, be I have faith he’ll do the right thing.
Pick 4
Shire Scourers – Gary Ablett
Nelson gets his early pick trying to get back into finals after his first year missing out, and the fans are crying for a star. Enter Gary jr. A rebuild isn’t on the cards yet but loading up on top end talent to make another push for finals will hopefully net some solid gains.
Pick 5
Love Sparkles – David Swallow
The first of the big name, proven performers goes here to Greg at 5. A bit of a shock getting cut by Mark (such is the depth of his midfield), but Greg looks to load up again for another crack at that elusive title. Selwood should have at least several more years of solid production in him, so Greg will be banking on that reliability.
Pick 6
Defenestrators – Hayden Young
And back to the rookies we go, with Paul jumping on the highest rated rookie defender (in my eyes) in the pool. Drafted at 7 overall by Freo, comes into the league touted as an elite kick, and should be in the side round 1 ready to show that skill off in a team that desperately needs good ball users. Many coaches are looking to go young this year with the early picks, but Paul decides to take that literally with his first pick.
Pick 7
Taxmanian Devils – Luke Jackson
There are a handful of players that could go here, but the highest drafted ruck since Nic Nat in ’08 (and who should hopefully gain dpp status soon) should be playing forward while learning from Gawn how to ruck. Will be a project player as all big guys are but could be a huge asset moving forwards.
Pick 8
Taxmanian Devils – Dylan Stephens
Max’s rebuild continues in earnest entering his second year in charge of this team. This is the second of his back to back picks gained in the Worpel trade last year, and with it he again invests in youth and acquires Dylan Stephens, a SA talent who was drafted early to Sydney. After playing in the SANFL seniors last year, has already played and acquitted himself well against men, so the transition to AFL should be a little less daunting.
Pick 9
Roughnecks – Lachlan Ash
Once again there are a number of players who could go here, but can’t look past the smooth moving Ash who GWS made sure to move up to get him in the AFL draft (and gave the Crows their 1st pick next year for, so good move all round). Might struggle to get a game early with GWS having a strong list, but the talent is obvious, so if Adam is patient rewards should eventually come.
Pick 10
MaherShalalHashBaz – Tom Green
I’m sure Jordan is still smiling from his maiden premiership win (3 years overdue thanks to Nelson’s 2016 heroics), and if Tom Green is still available at this pick those drafting in NZ may well hear his cheers. If he wasn’t tied to GWS via their academy, there was genuine thought he could be in the number 1 pick discussion. As with Ash, will struggle to break into the GWS line up, but should he get in high scores will come quick.
Pick 11
Shire Scourers – Ricky Henderson
The Scourers have a lot of mids, but even so Henderson falling to 11 is enough that he can’t let him slide any further. Should still have a solid year getting the ball on the outside with Tom Mitchell once again delivering the pill, and will be straight into Nelson’s starting 22.
Pick 12
Lethal Vipers – Caleb Serong
I’m not going to overthink this one. The Freo fan enters the draft for the first time this year, and luckily for him finds the Freo rookie midfielder still available and quickly takes him to bring youth into the team.
Pick 13
Redshins – Shaun Higgins
Another shock in the keeper lists with a mid 90’s average mid being thrown to the scrap heap. Age may have been a factor in this decision, but he will still be an asset. Jaye sees this in him, and within the first 10 seconds of his selection Higgins is off the board, immediately making the Redshins (maybe a rebranding also to happen?) a more serious opponent right from the start of his coaching tenure.
Pick 14
MaherShalalHashBaz – Sam Flanders
Playing for the Suns, a much easier line up to break into than Ash and Green have, and as a forward in a year with a weak forward draft pool, this could prove the decisive factor. Will be competing with Rankine and Greenwood for a role, but if GC are committed to their rebuild (is it still a rebuild if there’s never been anything built?), he will get serious game time.
Pick 15
Love Sparkles – Joe Daniher
Some risk here with Daniher not healthy to start the season, but an undeniable talent when fit and firing sees Greg willing to bring him in. In NBA terms, a contract year with restricted free agency on the horizon and the Swans circling, so will want to perform as well as possible to bring the big contract come season’s end. As mentioned with Flanders, a weak forward pool this year makes this a steal of a pick at 15, should the Bombers doctors do their thing.
Pick 16
MaherShalalHashBaz – Big Boy McEvoy
Max Gawn is still the clear number 1 for Jordan’s team, but even the best have injury risk (see preseason), and so Jordan decides to invest in a solid backup here to continue his title defence. Big Boy has been a reliable ruck 2 for years in Dangergawn history, and so no reason to believe he won’t be the same this year.
Pick 17
MaherShalalHashBaz – Devon Robertson
The biggest slider from the AFL draft doesn’t slide past the top 20 picks this time, with Jordan seeing him still on the board, and making short work on making this selection. A proven ball winner in the WAFL, will find it challenging to break into the Lion’s best 22, but if he does, he has a great chance to continue his ball winning ways. A youth rebranding of the reigning premiers is underway this draft, so will be interesting to see how the list develops.
Pick 18
Puttanesca Chiefs – Cooper Stephens
Mark has shown an affinity to take highly rated Geelong players early in Dangergawn drafts, and with his success rate picking young guns (Rowan Marshall anyone?), who are we to doubt his draft strategy? Geelong has shown an affinity to play their rookies (except Constable), and this one ticks all the right boxes for them.
Pick 19
Shire Scourers – Ryan Burton
A young defender who a couple of years ago was prime fantasy stock has fallen drastically from grace, to the point of being cut by Adam this year. He’s a gamble at this position in the draft, but possibly a win should he re-find his ball winning ways. A mix of youth and experience for the Scourers in this draft making for a team to be feared.
Pick 20
MaherShalalHashBaz – Heath Shaw
A few youngsters have joined the premiers, now for some more leadership in defence. Shaw moved from the Scourers to the Chiefs trying to help Mark win a premiership, and now he’s on MSHB trying to achieve the same ends.
