It's interesting to look at what picks we might hold or gain before the draft. It's all a bit of speculation but if we could stock up in the 10-20 zone, I'd be very happy.
In terms of where players will go, it can often depend on what club has which pick. All the WA boys being mentioned as potential top 10 picks are probably not going to go there given Vic sides will prefer Vic talent. The WA kids will be underrated by those in the east and that's where we should get value if we can rather than stretch and take kids too early like we have in the past (Logue & Brayshaw).
Deven Robertson goes around pick 10, possibly higher if a side really wants a consistent inside mid but a lot of experts have him in the mid teens too.
A bid for Liam Henry will come in the early to mid teens but you wouldn't bother using a pick on him until a bid comes so you can maximise your discount and hope he slides as far as possible.
Jeremy Sharp is probably a mid to late teens proposition. He's more of a priority for Freo given the impending losses of Hill and Langdon. I wouldn't be surprised if we took him early.
Luke Jackson is in the same early to late teens range. It can depend on what clubs are after but being 198cm which is probably too short to lead the ruck at AFL level, I don't see anyone pulling the trigger on him early to replenish their ruck stocks. It'll be a side that needs a key forward and thinks Jackson can play that role well. That'll be us or West Coast as I reckon most Vic clubs will have other KPF's ahead of him.
Trent Rivers is probably a late teens to early 20's pick but I really like him a lot so would be happy using a pick in the teens on him. I see a lot of upside in him although it is interesting to predict where he may fit at AFL level. my hope would be a half back into the midfield ala David Mundy but we'll see.
Elijah Taylor shows a bit of X-factor but I think people are over estimating his output so far. He could go a long way as a medium forward but not far enough to push high up the draft. He's probably a mid teens pick at the earliest, most likely in the mid 20's on draft day.
Trey Ruscoe is probably in a similar boat to Rivers as a half back who may transition to the midfield after a couple of pre-seasons. A likely mid to late 20's pick.
I'd be happy with all of these players in their given ranges but at the same time, I don't think we should exclude eastern state's kids just to draft locally. neither do I think we should select WA kids early just because they are locals and less likely to leave. West Aussies can leave too (B Hill) and there's no guarantees on anyone. If we develop a good culture and look after them, help these kids grow and become stars, they'll want to keep playing for us.
