At the moment there are 30 players on the NB list. I presume that lists of this size must be close to maximal for VFL teams now that there is no 2nds level in this competition. Many of these guys have managed senior VFL games this year, especially late in the season, as there were few Carlton listed players available.
After many years of high player turnover, I am not expecting the same level this season. There appears to be a strong feeling among the young lads who make up the group. However, there WILL be some. The Preston people have become very good at sifting through the TAC Cup teams for young talent.
As such, I will not look at everyone available: I don’t know enough to predict who will stay and who will go at the bottom end. However, some of the guys coming in with AFL or VFL experience may be questionable.
Confirmed Departures:
None as yet. Certainly, we will not know before the Laurie Hill Medal. Nor will news be easy to determine.
Confirmed Additions:
Again, none yet. That will not be set until after the AFL Draft.
Potential Departures:
[1] Jesse Palmer – what happens to Palmer will very much be a function of whether or not he gets another chance at the AFL. He has done well this year, but questions over his pace and strength remain when thought of in AFL terms.
It is possible that we may offer him a rookie spot after a good year, but that is not a very high probability. I hope he decides to stay, but my hopes have very little sway.
[2] Sam Fisher – Fisher started poorly and looked very ordinary early in the season, but he really came good and was one of the best mids as we improved. He got good clearance numbers and his ability to move well through traffic impressed. He does have enough AFL attributes to be VERY probable to get a rookie listing from us, if no other club decides to draft him beforehand. I find it very unlikely that Fisher will be on the VFL list in 2019.
[3] Josh Hill – as an ex-AFL player he is always a chance to hang up his boots. However, I hope he doesn’t. Hill was terrible early in the season, a total non-contributor. However, when he was moved to HBF he became a different player and really did offer the leadership and experience that our bunch of kids required. Considering his own aims, as posted early in the year, I would find it far more likely that he would remain for at least another season. However, that is going to depend on what he does other than playing.
[4] Brendan Myers – this lad has not had the sort of year he (and we) were looking for. He was not a regular and only played in the last half od the season when our midfield was especially short. As such I am not confident that he will remain with the Baby Blues.
[5] Ethan Penrith – Penrith enjoyed a pretty good season with his pace and tackling standing out. As he is still zone listed to Carlton there is a quite reasonable chance that he will be promoted to the rookie list before the AFL draft occurs.
Potential Additions:
This is very much speculation at this point, but so much is at this time of year.
[1] Oskar Manton – A potential Carlton F/S, Manton has not enjoyed this year with the Western Jets. He was highly rated, but struggled with injury. In a year with the strong draft cohort, I can’t see him being picked up. However, due to his lack of real opportunity this season I see a real chance that Carlton suggest he heads to the NB’s for a year to see if he really does have what it takes. Not a really high probability, but not wishful thinking either.
[2] Michael Barlow – guys like Barlow probably are still good enough for AFL footy, and we would be stupid not to consider him. However, with his age and injury profile, he may miss out. If he does, then I could see a quite good chance that Carlton suggest he come to the NB’s to provide the leadership and experience that Alex Silvagni showed over the last 2 years. We need someone of this calibre, and his ability to win the ball would be a god-send to a team requiring midfield power. He is also an excellent clubman and would help the training and culture of the club. It may even open the door for him in the coaching system, which he is supposedly interested in.
[3] Will Hickmott – we did not select Will as a F/S option last year, but his form in WA suggests he has enough to seriously consider. He has done particularly well in the WA Colts. His brother, on the other hand, is a very high probability to be picked as a F/S as a rookie. I think they would come as a package. Therefore, Will would have a year or so in the VFL to get over the line (if he can). I think this is a high probability event, probably the highest probability of the options I have presented.
There are 2 other lads Carlton has been following as zone prospects, Brasier and Wild. I am not sure where they are at presently, but with so little profile I find it unlikely that we are serious on drafting them. However, they may well be considered for the NBs to gain experience and, hopefully, show enough to interest Carlton for 2020.
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The importance of a good VFL is demonstrated by the fact that AFL finalists Rich, Filth, Haw, Geel and Melb all have their VFL sides in finals also. Kind of makes our rise up the ladder look even tougher and further away.
Crash, I'm not convinced that we will do anything other than Rookie Ben Silvagni. He just hasn't done enough.
I really like Hicky's boys though, they aren't big but they work hard and accumulate a lot of possessions.
Crash, I'm not convinced that we will do anything other than Rookie Ben Silvagni. He just hasn't done enough.
I really like Hicky's boys though, they aren't big but they work hard and accumulate a lot of possessions.
Tend to agree, reckon at least one of the Hickmott boys will be drafted onto the senior list and the other might be rookied....
Ben to me is rookie material at best...think Dodoro from Essendon though would pick him late to be a smartar$e...
Tend to agree, reckon at least one of the Hickmott boys will be drafted onto the senior list and the other might be rookied....
Ben to me is rookie material at best...think Dodoro from Essendon though would pick him late to be a smartar$e...
That’s bound to happen! As much as I hate the thought of a Silvagni on the Drug Cheats list, I reckon SOS could just go with the flow.
One of the Hickmotts as a father/son pick and the other and Ben as rookies would be reasonable outcome.
That’s bound to happen! As much as I hate the thought of a Silvagni on the Drug Cheats list, I reckon SOS could just go with the flow.
One of the Hickmotts as a father/son pick and the other and Ben as rookies would be reasonable outcome.
I think you are right, if Ben turned out ok then he would find his way to us anyway IMO but if he didnt make it its easier
if Dodoro chops him than his dad... ;)
I think you are right, if Ben turned out ok then he would find his way to us anyway IMO but if he didnt make it its easier
if Dodoro chops him than his dad... ;)
Maybe a cunning plan by SOS? ;)
I dont quite get what appears to me as Silvagni hate on this site sometimes. If SOS wasn't our GM of List Management and Strategy, I would hazard a guess and say most would be frothing at the mouth to get Ben in as a FS. Our club has been devoid of FS's for far too long and it seems its because as a club, we tend to shy away from it. At least thats what it looks like to me. We have the Peter Dean Academy for sons of past players to be monitored, why haven't more come through? Is it simply that they are not good enough? If thats the case, fine but either way, its a damn shame I reckon. I guess many have questioned the clubs ability to develop players who have come in, it would be a stretch to ask the club to assist in the development of kids not yet in our system.
You said it yourself, they haven't been good enough.
Which, in many cases, translates at junior level to their parents weren't pushy enough. Junior elite level football is a cesspit of vested interests, selfishness etc.
I think you are right, if Ben turned out ok then he would find his way to us anyway IMO but if he didnt make it its easier if Dodoro chops him than his dad... ;)
Of course, Ben could have been tanking to throw other clubs off the scent :-\
I dont quite get what appears to me as Silvagni hate on this site sometimes. If SOS wasn't our GM of List Management and Strategy, I would hazard a guess and say most would be frothing at the mouth to get Ben in as a FS. Our club has been devoid of FS's for far too long and it seems its because as a club, we tend to shy away from it. At least thats what it looks like to me. We have the Peter Dean Academy for sons of past players to be monitored, why haven't more come through? Is it simply that they are not good enough? If thats the case, fine but either way, its a damn shame I reckon. I guess many have questioned the clubs ability to develop players who have come in, it would be a stretch to ask the club to assist in the development of kids not yet in our system.
It's probably a perception...the hate thing.
I love Stephen Silvagni. (in a supporter type of adoration :D ;))
He's one of my favourite players.
I have no problem with his actions during the salary cap situation.
He behaved a bit better than some of the others involved.
I've been waiting for his sons to come of age since they were born...to continue the family traditions.
I was wrapped when Jack was drafted...and have been looking forward to Ben because he was supposedly a better player.
But...unless he's being cleverly placed in hiding, Ben has not shown the form that would have him as a priority in terms of our drafting and if things fall into place we mightn't have too many picks left at the bottom of the draft to use on him.
A rookie spot...maybe.
Absolutely no hate from me for SOS! I am happy for him to go about things as he sees fit - his performance will be judged on his results at the appropriate time.
But...unless he's being cleverly placed in hiding, Ben has not shown the form that would have him as a priority in terms of our drafting and if things fall into place we mightn't have too many picks left at the bottom of the draft to use on him.
A rookie spot...maybe.
Yes, I think this is the reality of the situation.
A lot of fans just assess the lad on the surname, including some members of the this forum, and when anyone posts a realistic appraisal of the lad they get pegged as Silvagni haters. Not unlike when we post a realistic appraisal of SoJ and get slammed as Silvagni haters.
The irony for me is that it's the blind faithful and idolaters that heap the pressure on the kids to perform above their natural abilities, the very people who defend the Silvagni's will be their ultimate downfall becuase they have generated unrealistic expectations of the kids!
I can tell you from a very good source that Luke Hodge was incredibly impressed with the physical abilities of BSoS, that is not in question. Allegedly the question is does he want to be an AFL player badly enough? You have to want it to be a AFL player to get through the day to day, having the athleticism isn't enough, just ask Nathan Ablett!
I don't want us drafting the kid on hope and them allowing him to be torn to pieces by bitter fans and a ruthless AFL media just because in their perception he is blowing his chances! Let's face it, his boosters, idolisers and media critics will generally be the most vitriolic!
Yes, I think this is the reality of the situation.
A lot of fans just assess the lad on the surname, including some members of the this forum, and when anyone posts a realistic appraisal of the lad they get pegged as Silvagni haters. Not unlike when we post a realistic appraisal of SoJ and get slammed as Silvagni haters.
The irony for me is that it's the blind faithful and idolaters that heap the pressure on the kids to perform above their natural abilities, the very people who defend the Silvagni's will be their ultimate downfall becuase they have generated unrealistic expectations of the kids!
I can tell you from a very good source that Luke Hodge was incredibly impressed with the physical abilities of BSoS, that is not in question. Allegedly the question is does he want to be an AFL player badly enough? You have to want it to be a AFL player to get through the day to day, having the athleticism isn't enough, just ask Nathan Ablett!
I don't want us drafting the kid on hope and them allowing him to be torn to pieces by bitter fans and a ruthless AFL media just because in their perception he is blowing his chances! Let's face it, his boosters, idolisers and media critics will generally be the most vitriolic!
Even Nathan managed a premiership.
It's probably a perception...the hate thing.
I love Stephen Silvagni. (in a supporter type of adoration :D ;))
He's one of my favourite players.
I have no problem with his actions during the salary cap situation.
He behaved a bit better than some of the others involved.
I've been waiting for his sons to come of age since they were born...to continue the family traditions.
I was wrapped when Jack was drafted...and have been looking forward to Ben because he was supposedly a better player.
But...unless he's being cleverly placed in hiding, Ben has not shown the form that would have him as a priority in terms of our drafting and if things fall into place we mightn't have too many picks left at the bottom of the draft to use on him.
A rookie spot...maybe.
I would have said he has shown a heck of a lot more than Jack ever did at drafting stage.....? End of the day, the Club wil talk to the kid (as no doubt will his Dad separate;y and rightly so) and determine whether he wants it enough....
The club has handled this BOJ situation brilliantly.
Not only have the clubs convinced other clubs he is no good, its convinced their own supporters he is no good. ;)
He'll make it onto our list one way or another. He'll perform better than we expect because our expectations are currently rock bottom.
Even Nathan managed a premiership.
True, but did he earn it or was it gifted?
What does 32 games over a 5 year career and 2 or 3 de-listings / retirements suggest?
That's the sort of stuff a Son of a Gun has to deal with, nobody will remember the premiership medallion!
I would have said he has shown a heck of a lot more than Jack ever did at drafting stage.....? End of the day, the Club wil talk to the kid (as no doubt will his Dad separate;y and rightly so) and determine whether he wants it enough....
Which games were those performances in?
I've no problem accepting his value if someone can show me where to see it.
Jack kicked six in a State game...a performance like that will do me ;)
Which games were those performances in?
I've no problem accepting his value if someone can show me where to see it.
Jack kicked six in a State game...a performance like that will do me ;)
Lods, that was basically a one off against an injury decimated squad!
That very game created a unrealistic expectation of SoJ from fans!
Ben has decent height and is a good contested mark but thats where the story ends, no defensive game and no second efforts, very average playing for Vic metro too.
Chris Doerre alias Knightmare on Big Footy rates him though and reckons he will get picked up....CD now writes for ESPN Sports and his reviews are read by a lot of the recruiters who rate his work..
The fact he is a Silvagni gives him X factor, hope that he could be the real deal......my mine gripe when I have watched him is his lethargic, laconic approach...intensity isnt his strong point and he only really gets firing if there is a mark of the day opportunity.
There is also some talk/rumour that he doesnt have the dedication that Jack has or the other senior Silvagni's...rumour only....
Lods, that was basically a one off against an injury decimated squad!
That very game created a unrealistic expectation of SoJ from fans!
Maybe so
But Jack has had his share of senior games...and has shown a few good things.
What I'm looking for is some evidence that Ben is a better payer than Jack
Give me possessions and I'll shut up ;D
The fact he is a Silvagni gives him X factor, hope that he could be the real deal......my mine gripe when I have watched him is his lethargic, laconic approach...intensity isnt his strong point and he only really gets firing if there is a mark of the day opportunity.
This is why the Nathan Ablett analogy is so relevant.
There is also some talk/rumour that he doesnt have the dedication that Jack has or the other senior Silvagni's...rumour only....
In fairness to BSoS, there are very few players who have the drive SoJ exhibits. It's that drive that allows SoJ to compete at AFL level, without it even having the best athleticism in the world means nothing! We are a long way from being in a position to carry a Nathan Ablett type!
The importance of a good VFL is demonstrated by the fact that AFL finalists Rich, Filth, Haw, Geel and Melb all have their VFL sides in finals also. Kind of makes our rise up the ladder look even tougher and further away.
In many ways you've described list depth.
Something we lack in spades. It's put under the spotlight further as a fiction of rebuild clean out processes.
That's why I was slightly bouyed by late NBs form.
Nathan Ablett and Jack have precisely zero to do with recruiting Ben.
The reason being - he's a different person.
If we're factoring in the experiences of other people when assessing a potential recruit we're the worst bunch of drooling imbeciles in the AFL. Ben played key position for Vic Metro then got injured early. Played mostly school footy and never really set the world on fire. Will he get drafted? He was rated really highly when he was 16ish before tailing off and those guys do tend to get picked up late.
Nathan Ablett and Jack have precisely zero to do with recruiting Ben.
They are perfect comparisons.
SoJ shows the difference good attitude can make in the absence of pure ability, nobody doubts his desire, effort or commitment to training and the contest. If he was a couple of yards faster he'd be a god send for Carlton!
Nathan Ablett shows what indifference does to performance, because despite having sheds loads of natural ability and athleticism he bombed under the scrutiny AFL brings!
FWIW, Nathan Ablett's trajectory into AFL very closely mirrors Ben Silvagni! Both of them had been lauded at U16 level, both of them were early growers and tall relative to their peers, both of them showed indifference or inconsistency at development level!
I'm not a critic or a zealot, but I think it's fair people ask those questions in the absence of clear and unambiguous performances that prove otherwise! For me personally, I only have two things to go on, some indirect positive feedback from one of his junior coaches, and then a noticeable lack of performance in subsequent games at a higher level.
They are perfect comparisons.
SoJ shows the difference good attitude can make in the absence of pure ability, nobody doubts his desire, effort or commitment to training and the contest. If he was a couple of yards faster he'd be a god send for Carlton!
Nathan Ablett shows what indifference does to performance, because despite having sheds loads of natural ability and athleticism he bombed under the scrutiny AFL brings!
FWIW, Nathan Ablett's trajectory into AFL very closely mirrors Ben Silvagni! Both of them had been lauded at U16 level, both of them were early growers and tall relative to their peers, both of them showed indifference or inconsistency at development level!
I'm not a critic or a zealot, but I think it's fair people ask those questions in the absence of clear and unambiguous performances that prove otherwise! For me personally, I only have two things to go on, some indirect positive feedback from one of his junior coaches, and then a noticeable lack of performance in subsequent games at a higher level.
The difference may be that had Nathan not won a flag he might have continued.
People have different aspirations.
Once he won his premiership he might have changed his mindset. I'll haippily accept a retirement post a premiership.
The difference may be that had Nathan not won a flag he might have continued.
People have different aspirations.
Once he won his premiership he might have changed his mindset. I'll haippily accept a retirement post a premiership.
Yet it seems like claiming to have "climbed Mt Everest" after having been carried all the way by Sherpas!
Yet it seems like claiming to have "climbed Mt Everest" after having been carried all the way by Sherpas!
Everyone gets carried in some way shape or form LP. Even Cripps gets carried in situations where players run off him.
At the end of the day, in a premiership season, Nathan's stats in a premiership year, was:
21 games, 17 wins, 4 losses, contributing an average of 4.1 marks a game, 1.5 inside fifties per game, 0.7 goal assists per game, and 1.6 goals per game and 1.3 tackles per game.
Come grand final day, he chimed in with 3 goals and was playing as a key forward. He did his job without being spectacular.
I dont think it's comparable to weigh Ben S versus Nathan Ablett. One's an Ablett.
I dont think it's comparable to weigh Ben S versus Nathan Ablett. One's an Ablett.
I have a pretty good recollection of the Geelong supporter mood around the time Nathan Ablett was under consideration. My best mate is a Cats tragic and we went to many Cats games at The G members around the time Ablett was being talked about. Much of the back-room banter was the same then as it is now for Ben Silvagni. Talented, laconic, variable, disinterested, gifted, feigning, cruising, uncommitted, undecided, injured, under the radar, wink wink wink, etc., etc..
Ironically, the spread of commentary builds a good case for and against! It comes across as a kid who has it all and can have it all, if he wants it!
I dont think it's comparable to weigh Ben S versus Nathan Ablett. One's an Ablett.
Exactly.
The Abletts were all talented, but suffered from FIGJAM sydrome.
The Silvagni's are a different kettle of fish and I back in our mand (Bolton) to get Ben to become comfortable being uncomfortable (although you could argue, our senior team have become a little too comfortable with being uncomfortable and are not responding as they should.
Abletts come with a lot of mental baggage.
Abletts come with a lot of mental baggage.
The old man was a troubled soul.Nathan was also a funny one who didn't want to be a footballer. I've never had a problem with junior. Just a bloody good player. He gets a few cheapies out the back but I would have loved him in Navy Blue.
Don't forget the daughter with issues and the two uncles.
Junior seems relatively normal.
The old man was a troubled soul.Nathan was also a funny one who didn't want to be a footballer. I've never had a problem with junior. Just a bloody good player. He gets a few cheapies out the back but I would have loved him in Navy Blue.
Yes. Great player, and comes across as a very decent, almost gentle bloke.
Nathan was legitmately scared of big crowds. The GF basically broke him.
Only ever played 2 more games after that.....4 years later and on the gold coast.
The social and mental health issues aside, the on field football stuff is a very valid comparison.
I don't give a stuff about Nathan Ablett or the Ablett families issues, some relatively young kids died associating with the bloke they called God! He should wear the regret and guilt of that to the grave, and so should the bent coppers that fixed his problems for him!!
Update #2 24/09/2018
Not a lot of action here. I am not expecting anything much until after the Draft, to be honest.
At the moment there are 30 players on the NB list. I presume that lists of this size must be close to maximal for VFL teams now that there is no 2nds level in this competition. Many of these guys have managed senior VFL games this year, especially late in the season, as there were few Carlton listed players available.
After many years of high player turnover, I am not expecting the same level this season. There appears to be a strong feeling among the young lads who make up the group. However, there WILL be some. The Preston people have become very good at sifting through the TAC Cup teams for young talent.
As such, I will not look at everyone available: I don’t know enough to predict who will stay and who will go at the bottom end. However, some of the guys coming in with AFL or VFL experience may be questionable.
Confirmed Departures:
None as yet. Certainly, we will not know before the Laurie Hill Medal. Nor will news be easy to determine.
Confirmed Additions:
Again, none yet. That will not be set until after the AFL Draft.
Potential Departures:
[1] Jesse Palmer – what happens to Palmer will very much be a function of whether or not he gets another chance at the AFL. He has done well this year, but questions over his pace and strength remain when thought of in AFL terms.
It is looking less like that we will be giving him a rookie spot, with the pressure on guys like Wright, Lamb, Kerridge and Graham.
[2] Sam Fisher – I find it very unlikely that Fisher will be on the VFL list in 2019. Someone will pick him up. I am hoping it is us.
[3] Josh Hill – as an ex-AFL player he is always a chance to hang up his boots. However, I hope he doesn’t. Hill was terrible early in the season, a total non-contributor. However, when he was moved to HBF he became a different player and really did offer the leadership and experience that our bunch of kids required. Considering his own aims, as posted early in the year, I would find it far more likely that he would remain for at least another season. However, that is going to depend on what he does other than playing.
[4] Brendan Myers – this lad has not had the sort of year he (and we) were looking for. He was not a regular and only played in the last half od the season when our midfield was especially short. As such I am not confident that he will remain with the Baby Blues.
[5] Ethan Penrith – Penrith enjoyed a pretty good season with his pace and tackling standing out. As he is still zone listed to Carlton there is a quite reasonable chance that he will be promoted to the rookie list before the AFL draft occurs.
Potential Additions:
This is very much speculation at this point, but so much is at this time of year.
[1] Michael Barlow – guys like Barlow probably are still good enough for AFL footy, and we would be stupid not to consider him. However, with his age and injury profile, he may miss out. If he does, then I could see a quite good chance that Carlton suggest he come to the NB’s to provide the leadership and experience that Alex Silvagni showed over the last 2 years. We need someone of this calibre, and his ability to win the ball would be a god-send to a team requiring midfield power. He is also an excellent clubman and would help the training and culture of the club. It may even open the door for him in the coaching system, which he is supposedly interested in.
[2] Will Hickmott – looking more likely to be drafted now he won the Colts B&F
There are 2 other lads Carlton has been following as zone prospects, Brasier and Wild. I am not sure where they are at presently, but with so little profile I find it unlikely that we are serious on drafting them. However, they may well be considered for the NBs to gain experience and, hopefully, show enough to interest Carlton for 2020.
Oskar Manton and his younger brother will be playing for the Western Jets in 2019. Manton decided that he missed so much of 2018 that he was not giving himself a reasonable chance. Fair enough too. He and his brother will be on the cards for F/S next year if they are good enough.
Update #3 19/10/2018
Not much npose coming from this source at all. The Blues' website has announced that a couple of youngsters have signed on for 2019: Jean-Luc Velissaris and Jordan Lynch. I also know that Tom Wilson will be going around again. Ethan Penrith has also signed on, which is good news. But at the moment things are very quiet.
At the moment there are 30 players on the NB list, as none have been officially delisted. I presume that lists of this size must be close to maximal for VFL teams now that there is no 2nds level in this competition. Many of these guys have managed senior VFL games this year, especially late in the season, as there were few Carlton listed players available.
As I said last time, I do not expect an exodus this off-season.
Confirmed Departures:
None as yet. Nor do I think we'll find out until after the ND and the RD. Some of our boys will be of considerable interest.
Confirmed Additions:
Again, none yet. But I expect that to change quickly after the Drafts, with a bunch of disappointed kids and a few older stagers not getting picked up. There is also a small chance that some of our delistees will be picked up by Northern. Not a huge chance, but not zero.
Potential Departures:
[1] Jesse Palmer – what happens to Palmer will very much be a function of whether or not he gets another chance at the AFL. He could well get another chance, but I doubt it would be with us. having picked up Fasolo and McGovern, the role Palmer plays now has incumbents. I hope he stays with the Blues, but that is low a little less likely.
[2] Sam Fisher – I find it very unlikely that Fisher will be on the VFL list in 2019. Someone will pick him up. I am hoping it is us. There have been some recent rumours of our interest, now that we have flicked Graham, Kerridge and company. I simply cannot see him remaining at this level.
[3] Josh Hill – I am feeling more confident about Hill (which means he is probably gone). Staying with us helps his long term goals and his form at the end of the season was excellent.
[4] Brendan Myers – this lad has not had the sort of year he (and we) were looking for. He was not a regular and only played in the last half of the season when our midfield was especially short. As such I am not confident that he will remain with the Baby Blues.
Potential Additions:
This is very much speculation at this point, but so much is at this time of year.
[1] Will Hickmott – looking more likely to be drafted now he won the Colts B&F. If we pick up his brother, he will come and play for the Baby Blues.
Carlton do have a few Zone lads, of which two, Brasier and Wild, have a small profile. I find it unlikely that they will NOT be with the Northern Blues in 2019. There are a couple of others, but I don't know enough about them to comment realistically.
The Manton brothers have committed themselves to the Western Jets for 2019. Oskar will play as a 19 year old. Both boys spent a lot of time playing basketball and only recently committed to footy. At this point, both have quite reasonable rating, even with Oskar's injuries this year.
Mil Hanna's nephew played at Calder this year and is eligible for a zone selection ... at the Drug Cheats. He looks unlikely to be drafted at this point and may well be on our horizon. I'm fairly sure that Mil's own lad is not far away either.
I like velissaris. From what I've seen he kicks goals.
Sam Fisher and jesse Palmer are both rookie prospects for us i hope.
Liam won the Colts' B & F. Will starred at the combine....
Excellent. Press the button SOS. Sold!
Update #4 24/11/2018
With the AFL drafts done and dusted, there are more than a few players, experienced and otherwise, now available for recruiting. It will be interesting to see how many of these guys interest the Preston side of the equation.
As I said last time, I do not expect an exodus this off-season. But there will be some. It happens.
Confirmed Departures:
None as yet. None of our guys were selected in the ND or RD.
Confirmed Additions:
[1] Kieran Collins
Height: 194 cm
Weight: 98 kg
Western Bulldogs / Dandenong Stingrays
Collins will be 21 for the 2019 season, as he is a December birth. He played a couple of years at the Bulldogs without making that much of a mark. He was a consistent VFL player, rather than an outstanding one. But given the relative lack of tall defenders on the Northern Blues list, he is a welcome inclusion.
I guess he also sees this as an opportunity to impress Carlton, who are looking for someone as gorilla minder, now Rowe is gone.
At the moment he is the only one.
Potential Departures:
[1] Josh Hill – I am feeling more confident about Hill (which means he is probably gone). Staying with us helps his long term goals and his form at the end of the season was excellent.
[2] Brendan Myers – this lad has not had the sort of year he (and we) were looking for. He was not a regular and only played in the last half of the season when our midfield was especially short. As such I am not confident that he will remain with the Baby Blues.
Potential Additions:
[1] Daniel Hanna
Height: 199 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Calder Cannons
The nephew of Mil Hanna did not get picked up by the Drug Cheats, so he is available to play where he likes. If I were Carlton, I would be getting the 18-year-old down to NB’s training.
Hanna is tall, but plays more of a running game. Kicking is his weakness at this point, being unreliable (not unlike his Uncle Mil’s). He is very skilful and mobile for a big man.
[2] Mitchell Podhajski
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Calder Cannons
Ignored for the 2nd year in a row, but having converted himself from a defender into a strong midfielder, I would look to providing this lad with a home. I thought he was unlucky not to be drafted.
Carlton do have a few Zone lads, of which two, Brasier and Wild, have a small profile. I find it unlikely that they will NOT be with the Northern Blues in 2019. Lamb is also a chance, depending on how reacts to being ignored by Carlton.
Palmer and Fisher have already signed on for 2019, as has Penrith. With 1 spot available on Carlton's rookie list, they are in the running.
Other names, like Hartung. have been rumoured to be of interest, but I really don't have any information to suggest many of these guys with AFL experience may be applicable.