| Overall, Rich is a better than both Masten and Palmer at the same stage - not as big a ball magnet as the other 2 and probably doesn't have as big a tank as either of them, but definitely a more damaging player - much bigger hurt factor with his kicking - much better penetration and accuracy, kicks more goals, stronger build and better OH mark. He has a bit of Daniel Kerr about his general movement and work inside traffic/strength over the ball and Luke Hodge with his depth, penetration and hurt factor of his left foot and goal kicking on the run from long range.
I doubt Naitanui would last beyond pick 3 and would be a chance for WC and Melbourne's picks - Freo should snap him up if he gets to theirs. Didn't see the best of him in the televised U18 game - most who only saw him would probably think he's just an athlete and nothing else. While he'll break the draft camp record for vertical leap and will rank very highly for the 20m sprint and agility testing too, he's also got an incredible work ethic (chasing, tackling, 2nd efforts, 1%ers) and competitiveness about him. Picks the ball up of the deck with ridiculous ease for any sized player, let alone 195cm+ and has very creative hands at stoppages/in congestion. OH/contested marking and ruckwork have progressed well this season - is starting to distribute and direct his taps very well. Doesn't possess damaging footskills (very mechanical style) nor does he possess great footy smarts and while they should develop as he is relatively new to the game, it's unlikely either will be a strength of his. He just plays the game on instincts - see the ball, get the ball mentality. Has the ability to have a massive influence on games - I've seen him regularly turn games for Swan Districts, as well as for WA vs Vic Country.
Yarran is sublime to watch - so **** classy and has a heap of tricks - cruises around in 3rd gear most the time and evades players with ease, which gives most people the impression he's lazy, but it's just his natural playing style (his defensive pressure is generally good). When he does accelerate with some intent he's very quick. Doesn't have much of a tank yet though - spends most his time up forward in a pocket or on a a flank and can only play in stints/bursts in the midfield rather than spending most the game there. Wasn't very good in the U18 Championships, but has been very impressive in the WAFL - would be best XXII for both WA teams easily if he was on an AFL list.
Some others from WA I think may go 1st round:
- Michael Walters ( bottom aged, dynamic small utility with excellent footy smarts, creativity, vision, lateral movement, footskills and goal kicking nous - Sydney are very interested apparently.)
- Stephen Hill (hard working, enthusiastic, lightly built, springy, fleet footed flanker/winger with a penetrating kick. Some queries over decision making/composure under pressure - which will probably stop him going 1st round, but some club may be willing to take the punt.) __________________ 
-- AUGUST 2007 --
Last edited by ravadongon : 08-21-2008 at 09:48 PM. |
08-21-2008, 01:09 AM 
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