2008 AFL Draft Review - Brisbane Lions

Brisbane went into the 2008 National Draft with seven picks, and came away with a good set of youngsters that was highlighted by Daniel Rich at Pick 7. Along with Pick 7 the Lions also had Picks 25, 41, 57, 69, 81 and 82. The Lions decided to pass on Pick 82 and drafted six players. Let’s have a closer look at them.

Pick No. 7 - Daniel Rich

A month ago Brisbane wouldn’t have even dreamt of drafting Daniel Rich, he was seemingly a lock as a Top 3 pick and would be staying home in Western Australia. However with Fremantle throwing a spanner in the works drafting Stephen Hill at Pick 3 it was no surprise to hear Rich’s name read out at Pick 7. Rich is a gun inside midfielder who finds plenty of the ball. He is very good around the clearances and has a thumping left foot kick that is very accurate when he gets into space. He has played a number of games at senior level in the WAFL so he is no doubt ready to step into the Brisbane midfield come Round 1 2009.

Pick No. 25 – Jack Redden

 

 
Redden is a medium sized midfielder from South Australia who is very good around the clearances and winning the hard ball. He is a very strong mark and a nice kick and has shown the ability to play up forward at times and kick goals.

Pick No. 41 – Todd Banfield

 

 
Banfield is a very quick midfielder from Swan Districts who has solid skills on both sides of his body. He is very hard at the contest and some would say an old fashioned footballer. He has clean hands and is really capable at breaking the lines with his brilliant pace. He provided very good defensive pressure for Swan Districts this year, utilising his pace effectively.

Pick No. 57 – Aaron Cornelius

Cornelius was a real steal for Brisbane at Pick 57, with many people touting him as early second round selection. Cornelius is a tall forward from Tasmania who is a very strong mark on the lead and in a contested situation. He has very clean hands below his knees so is still effective when the ball hits the ground.

He has played very well for the Tassie Devils in the VFL competition so he has the experience of playing against men. He reads the play really well and times his leads well running to the right spaces. He will need to work on his endurance if he is to play as a lead up forward at AFL level where he will be asked to make two and three different leads.

Pick No. 69 – Bart McCulloch

 

 
Bart McCulloch is yet another Tasmanian who the Lions have taken a liking too. He is a 198cm ruckman who is very mobile and not your typical lumbering ruckman. He has very good endurance for a young player and can be also be used as a key forward. McCulloch will be given time to develop as he is still quite raw so don’t expect to see a lot of him in the AFL next season. His ruckwork and foot skills still need improvement but I’m sure they will improve as he gets more experience under his belt.

Pick No. 81 – Kieran King

Kieran King is a medium sized midfielder from East Fremantle who is a very strong runner with good pace. He was a national 400m runner as a junior but has obviously favoured an AFL career over athletics. King is very much an outside player and still has a lot to learn about the game. There is no doubt with his pace that if he can learn how to play the game at AFL level then he can be successful.

Brisbane Lions Football Manager Graeme Allan had the following to say after the Draft:

“Like all football managers I’m very happy with our draft. To get Daniel Rich as our first pick was a shock to us, we always thought he would go in the first couple of selections in the draft, so we were ecstatic there. Our first three picks were midfielders which was great. We had to build up our midfield resources.”

Brisbane will be very happy with the way they drafted particularly picking up Rich with Pick 7 and Cornelius with Pick 57. A month ago you would have been locked up if you predicted those two players to be drafted at those picks. The Lions also added some extra depth to their midfield and a ruckman who definitely gives them something to work with. With six selections on Draft Day, Brisbane was one of the major players.

How do you think Brisbane fared at the draft? Do you think they got a steal with Rich at 7? Leave us with your thoughts.