The overall assessment:
It’s been a good year for the smaller players this year as demonstrated by the make-up of the top ten.
There are a mix bag of players, but plenty of options when it comes to midfielders and classy half-forwards.
However, although there has been much said about the depth at this year’s draft, Brenton Sanderson believes that Clubs should be paying attention to the later picks as they may discover a hidden gem.
Sando’s final say:
“The draft is going to be super strong up the top end of course, we’ve got some classy midfielders who are going to be right in the mix in the first round.
“I actually think that you can get some bargains out the back of the draft as well.
“Despite what we’re hearing, I think there is a lot of great, valuable picks later on in this year’s draft.”
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Clayton Oliver:
DOB: 22/07/1997
Height: 187cm Weight: 86kg
Club(s): Murray Bushrangers
Position: Midfield
The 2015 TAC Cup Morrish Medallist barely put a foot wrong this season. A hard bodied midfielder, he has an astounding ability to get to the bottom of the pack, find the ball and break away from the pack. If his midfield exploits are not enough, Oliver is also quite capable of sneaking forward and kicking a goal. He is a smooth mover and is potentially a readymade prospect.
Sando’s say:
“He is a big bodied midfielder with a really great work ethic. I think he’d really flourish in an AFL full-time program. He’s that sort of modern, stereotype midfielder, that Nat Fyfe type. He gets inside the contest, wins his own ball and is certainly a top ten talent.”
Daniel Rioli:
DOB: 16/04/1997
Height: 179cm Weight: 65kg
Club(s): North Ballarat Rebels/Northern Territory
Position: Small Forward
Daniel Rioli has the potential to become an absolute star. The speedy small forward was a standout performer at this year’s Draft Combine where he dominated many of the grounds for testing. Agile and clever around goal, Rioli was an important player for the North Ballarat Rebels showing that he can be a damaging addition to any team’s forward line. Rioli’s football smarts would be the perfect addition for the Bombers, who could snare him with a second round pick.
Sando’s say:
“Daniel is an incredible young talent. He’s only small, but agile – very quick, and does some really freakish things as well. Expect him to be called out pretty early in the draft.”
