Thursday, 23 November 2006: With the AFL’s National Draft on this Saturday, Racing and Sports looks at a possible top ten that could see some amazing talent end up at your club.

Pick 1 Carlton

Bryce Gibbs
SA, Glenelg, Medium Midfielder, 187.4cms, 77.6kgs, D.O.B. 15-Mar-89

The son of Ross Gibbs has been a stand out for the last two years. A smooth moving, fast thinking midfielder, Bryce was always destined to go very early. Not a natural athlete but more than makes up for that with his footy brain. Is able to keep his feet in the toughest situations and simply oozes class wherever he is on the field. Has had some amazing games playing for Glenelg in the SANFL. Not simply making up the numbers, there were games that he dominated. Carlton might toy with Leuenberger but will go for the guaranteed star in the making.

AFL Comparison:
(This refers to style of play as opposed to the quality of the player)
A taller Nick Dal Santo

Other Chances:
Matthew Leuenberger


Pick 2 Essendon

Matthew Leuenberger
WA, East Perth, Ruckman, 203.2cms, 92.9kgs D.O.B 07-Jun-88

The fast moving, agile ruckman has been turning more than a few heads recently. With several best on ground performances in the Colts league (the Grand Final among them) as well as holding his own while playing in the WAFL, Leuenberger has shot up the rankings in recent times. It is the agility he has at his size that is turning heads. He should become the rare type of ruckman to dominate the ruck as well as become an additional midfielder. While Sheedy normally likes to play mind games he seems to have mentioned the Leuenberger name too often recently.

AFL Comparison:
Dean Cox comes to mind but Matthew is far ahead of Cox at the same age

Other Chances:
Lachlan Hansen, Joel Selwood, Scott Gumbleton


Pick 3 Kangaroos

Scott Gumbleton
WA, Peel Thunder, Tall Forward, 197.1cms, 92.8kgs, D.O.B 03-Aug-88

Gumbleton is the best forward to emerge from the draft in some years. Strong and agile, he is the best pack mark seen for quite some time. A typical play will see him patrol the Centre Half Forward line and then launch himself into a pack while getting his hands on it. Also has a great engine that lets him motor all day long to try to run off his opponents. Playing senior football in the WAFL all year long he also showed his versatility by playing in all key positions at one time or another. The Kangaroos are unlikely to hesitate in picking up the CHF they have missed for a while now.

AFL Comparison:
A slower but stronger Nick Riewoldt

Other Chances:
Lachlan Hansen, Joel Selwood


Pick 4 Brisbane

Lachlan Hansen
VIC, Gippsland, Tall Defender, 196.7cms, 90.1kgs, D.O.B. 17-Aug-88

If Gumbleton is the best pack mark in the draft, Hansen is maybe the best reader of play we have seen in quite some time. Quick and athletic, Hansen is also extremely versatile. His natural position would be at CHB but could play anywhere up and down the spine. Has shown his courage on more than a few occasions. Plays with a constant force, he could take the oppositions best forward and then also create the play for his team as he runs off his opponent. Brisbane’s sudden backline retirements won’t make a decision too hard.

AFL Comparison:
Plays similar to Paul Roos in his Fitzroy days

Other Chances:
Joel Selwood, Mitchell Thorp


Pick 5 Port Adelaide

Mitchell Thorp
TAS, Tassie Devils, Tall Forward, 194.1cms, 86.4kgs, D.O.B 25-Dec-88,

Thorpe has an outstanding level of versatility to the extent that he has been able to play in all key positions while maybe being best suited to the midfield. Is maybe the best athlete of the players that will be take in the top ten as he has an excellent combination of speed and strength. Should end up as a forward but could be used at any time for a mismatch.

AFL Comparison:
Matthew Pavlich circa 2003

Other Chances:
James Sellar, Joel Selwood, Leroy Jetta


Pick 6 Hawthorn


Joel Selwood
VIC, Bendigo, Medium Midfielder, 182.4cms, 80.2kgs D.O.B 26-May-88,

In 2005 Selwood had most recruiters blown away as he was comparable in performances to last years number 1, Marc Murphy, while also being 1 year younger. Unfortunately knee injuries through out the year severely limited his games and most did not get the chance to see him up against his peers this year. Has been given the all clear and will certainly be amongst the first chosen. Is an amazing winner of the contested ball and has a natural ability to set-up the play for his teammates. Is also a natural leader and that would certainly be appealing to the Hawks.

AFL Comparison:
Luke Ball

Other Chances:
James Sellar, Eric McKenzie


Pick 7 Geelong

Travis Boak
VIC, Geelong Falcons, Medium Midfielder, 183.3cms, 76.4kgs, D.O.B 01-Aug-88

There have been quite a few whispers that the Cats are keen on the local lad. He has a good turn of speed but also has a fair amount of composure when using the ball. Quite a bit of class with or without the ball and is surprising very competent while in the air. Should be one of the first midfielders taken but Geelong might try to sneak him in early.

AFL Comparison:
Brent Reilly

Other Chances:
James Sellar, Daniel Connors


Pick 8 Collingwood

James Sellar
SA, Glenelg, Ruckman, 195cms, 90.1kgs, D.O.B 24-Mar-89

Still very much a bottom aged player, the Pies might be looking for other types, but simply could not pass up the talent that Sellar posses. Has been played mainly as a forward but also as a smaller ruck option. With his leap he can be a dangerous player anywhere on the ground. Did not have the best of years due to illness and injury, but still has a top 5 level talent that people will be more than happy to take a chance on.

AFL Comparison:
Justin Longmuir

Other Chances:
Leroy Jetta, David Armitage, Bachar Houli


Pick 9 St Kilda

Leroy Jetta
WA, Sth Fremantle, Small Midfielder, 177.2cms, 75.5kgs 06-Jul-88,

Leroy can be best described as a live wire around the play. Electric speed and great evasive ability highlight how Jetta can break open a match at any point. Has spent a lot of time in the forward line during his junior career but you could expect stints in the midfield to try to break the game open. Has had injuries which have grounded him for part of the 2006 season but not before he was able to go through and get some WAFL games under his belt which did cause more than a few heads to turn. The Saints could go many ways here but should be looking for another player to add who will provide impact for years to come.

AFL Comparison:
Aaron Davey

Other Chances:
David Armitage, Albert Proud, Nathan Brown, Jack Riewoldt


Pick 10 Collingwood

David Armitage
QLD, Morningside, Medium Defender, 183.5cms, 80kgs, 16-Jun-88,

A hard at it player who is also has very adept user of the ball. For those who have seen him play over the years his courage would not easily surprise. What did surprise was the fact that he won the agility test at draft camp. Looks comfortable in the middle as he does either as a small forward or back. Can provide a fair bit of run from any area and this type of versatility will be highly sort after.

AFL Comparison:
Brent Moloney

Other Chances:
Albert Proud, Daniel Connors, Jack Riewoldt, Eric McKenzie