2008 AFL Draft Review - West Coast Eagles

When you are trying to get your footy club back on track, nothing helps things along like some early draft picks in the National Draft. Thanks to one of their worst on-field performances in the club’s history, the West Coast Eagles were able to console themselves somewhat with 3 picks inside the top 20, and used five picks overall - 2, 18, 20, 36 and 52. After the Chris Judd deal last year, which gave them 4 picks in the top 22, as well as promising young forward Josh Kennedy, the Eagles have a lot of young talent that they look set to turn to for many years to come.

The picks they had this year could quite easily turn out to be one of the best crop of youngsters taken by any club in this year’s draft, however the chance of high reward also comes with some level of risk. Let’s take a look at their draftees…

Pick No. 2 – Nick Naitanui

Last year, Carlton said that if he was eligible, they would have taken Nick Naitanui with their top pick in the Draft - above Matthew Kreuzer. That has to be as big a wrap as any for this exciting young prospect. However, for all his incredible athletic feats and potential, Naitanui also comes with the risk that he just isn’t a natural enough footballer to make it at the top level.

Whether he makes it straight away, or spends a year or two in the WAFL learning his trade, Eagles fans can rest assured he will get the best tutelage possible - who better to learn the nuances of rucking from than the AFL’s premier ruckman, Dean Cox.

Pick No. 18 – Luke Shuey

 

 
An inside midfielder from the Oakleigh Chargers, Shuey was taken slightly higher than a lot of judges had predicted, however the Eagles were publicly rapt he was still available with their 2nd pick. Excellent at stoppages with good ability to win his own ball, Shuey also has good pace and is capable of being dangerous when resting up forward. Won the Vic Metro award at the U18 Championships displaying exceptional teamwork and discipline. May have more improvement than on face value having played primarily private school football over TAC.

Pick No. 20 – Tom Swift

Another pick for the Eagles with incredible upside, but comes with increased risk with his past 2 seasons ravaged by injury. Did turn in some excellent test results at the Draft Camp however, and by all reports he seems ready to go straight into training. Very classy type who may see gametime in 2009.

Pick No. 36 - Ashley Smith

Smith was one of the sliders of the draft, and looks an excellent get at 36. Another midfielder, but in a different mould to Shuey in particular - Smith likes to break the lines with pace and has a long damaging kick. Also looks suited to the spacious surrounds of Subiaco if he can improve his endurance to compliment his speed.

Pick No. 52 – Jordan Jones

 

 
Jones is a tall defender with a good leap and mark and also covers the ground nicely. From Geelong Falcons, Jones also represented Vic Country in the U18 Championships. His rebound and run from defence should be suited to the top level, however his defensive side can be found out by the top forwards. May also be able to be used in the midfield in bursts.

West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold had the following to say after the Draft:

Overall we think we have fi lled the needs we were looking to and got a real good balance of players. The priority was to go with the best players that offer the club the most. Positions didn’t come into it a lot. We’re rapt with Nick, the fact that he’s a Western Australian is great … the aim now is to prepare Nick for AFL football and there is a lot of work to do. A lot of Western Australian kids got drafted and it’s great for Western Australian football.

Overall, both the club and their fans should be very happy with this year’s draft. Naitanui could be anything, and judging by his U16 performances, so could Swift. Obviously, both players come at a risk, but the potential is undoubtedly there.

All of a sudden, the Eagles have the nucleus of an extremely promising midfield for many years to come, with Naitanui, Shuey, Swift and Smith joining Chris Masten, Brett Ebert and Scott Selwood from last year’s draft. With Cox and Kerr to show them the ropes, the Eagles will be hoping these new names can bolster the midfield to the level of the glory days of Judd and Cousins.

All in all, a definite win for the Eagles on paper on draft day, now it’s time to see whether their draftees can turn their potential into on-field success.

Let us know your thoughts on the West Coast Eagles’ performance on Draft Day! Will Naitanui and Swift deliver or will the Eagles be regretting taking the risk with them for years to come? Any thoughts on their picks - leave us a comment!