AFL Draft 2016: Who The Top 10 Play Like
It can be tricky to get a scope of new draftees in the first few weeks of the season. That time is often wasted finding out where their new coaches see them slotting in the field and the sort of game time they’ll get.
To give you a head start ahead of next year, we’ve taken a look at the top 10 picks from this year’s draft and likened each of them to the established stars of the AFL so you don’t waste early rounds working it out.
If these comparisons are anything to go by, you can expect these young guns to mature into future stars of the competition.
1. Andy McGrath (ESS) – Jason Johannisen (Draftstars PPG Average: 93.3)
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Height: 179cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 2/6/1998
With incredible speed and defensive rebounding ability, McGrath can be compared to the 2016 Norm Smith medalist. Breaking through defensive lines and using the ball efficiently are reasons why McGrath is at the top of many recruiter’s draft boards. He will add to Essendon’s overall pace significantly and should slot into their best 18 immediately.
2. Tim Taranto (GWS) – Luke Parker (Draftstars PPG Average: 109.9)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 179cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 2/6/1998
After a stellar second half to his year, Taranto rocketed up to pick number two. He is a solid mark, tough at stoppages and gets plenty of the ball. As well as causing damage in the midfield, expect him to go forward and score goals.
3. Hugh McCluggage (BRI) – Scott Pendlebury (Draftstars PPG Average: 106.3)
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 3/3/1998
Silky skills and composure through traffic see McCluggage draw many parallels with the Collingwood captain, Pendlebury. With an ability to rack up possessions in midfield but also go forward and impact the scoreboard, it’s no surprise that McCluggage is highly tipped as a future star of the game. Brisbane will be hoping for an immediate impact from him.
4. Ben Ainsworth (GCS) – Jamie Elliot (Draftstars PPG Average: 78.2)
Position: Small Forward/Midfielder
Height: 179cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 10/2/1998
A speedy and crafty forward/midfielder, Ainsworth has drawn comparisons with Collingwood’s Jamie Elliot. Ainsworth gets plenty of the ball and uses his dash to beat opponents. Much like Elliot, he knows how to impact the scoreboard when it counts.
5. Will Setterfield (GWS) – Patrick Cripps (Draftstars PPG Average: 99.5)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 190cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 5/2/1998
Much like Cripps, Setterfield fits the mould of a tall, modern-day midfielder. He gets plenty of the ball and is also a tackling machine. Setterfield proved to be the difference on several occasions throughout this year, which saw the GWS Academy prospect propelled into top three contention in an open draft pool.
6. Sam Petrevski-Seton (CAR) – Shaun Burgoyne (Draftstars PPG Average: 86.1)
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height: 181cm
Weight: 76kg
DOB: 19/2/1998
SPS has pace, athleticism and toughness. He attacks contests with vigour and kicks well on both feet. Despite being an attacking player, his composure and footy IQ can be likened to that of Hawthorn veteran, Shaun Burgoyne.
7. Jack Scrimshaw (GCS) – Grant Birchall (Draftstars PPG Average: 81.1)
Position: Key Defender
Height: 193cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 4/9/1998
Scrimshaw is considered a tall defender in this year’s draft, but has the mobility to push further forward and win the ball in the midfield. He is a composed kick of the footy when under pressure and with his size, can expect senior footy with Gold Coast in 2017.
8. Griffin Logue (FRE) – Cale Hooker (Draftstars PPG Average: 81.1)
Position: Key Defender
Height: 194cm
Weight: 92kg
DOB: 13/4/1998
After proving himself as the stand-out key defender in this year’s draft class, Logue went on to smash the testing at the AFL Combine. With great hands and a big engine, expect Logue to become a dominant tall key defender at AFL level.
9. Will Brodie (GCS) – Josh P. Kennedy (Draftstars PPG Average: 108.2)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 189cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 23/8/1998
Widely tipped as the top pick for much of the year. Brodie throws himself into contests like a bull. Much like Kennedy, he is doesn’t hesitate to be first to the ball and is able to use the ball efficiently in traffic.
10. Jack Bowes (GCS) – Marcus Bontempelli (Draftstars PPG Average: 109.9)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 187cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 13/4/1998
The classy Gold Coast Academy midfielder is clean by foot and by hands. He is a good decision maker and despite not being lightning quick, creates plenty of space for himself in traffic. A Bontempelli-type player, Bowes has the ability to dictate and dominate games.
Draftstars will offer contests for every AFL game in season 2017. For more information, head to www.draftstars.com.au
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