#level 16 caleb who takes one look at how much trouble king gets in and has all these killer high level spells to defend him--
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thinking again about level 6 Kingsley, who's so brazen and impulsive and always getting into trouble.
King getting taken captive by enemy pirates shortly after he strikes out on his own, needing to be rescued by level 16 Caleb--
#I love king and i love how he was thinking about being captain on day 1 and got the plank king title in such a short time--#but also. I think level 6 king just starting out was absolutely getting in over his head and refused to ever reach out when he needed help-#king who still takes risks and plays with fire and loves his new life of romance and adventure--#caleb who failed to save tealeaf before. who still tells king hes always welcome with the nein and still visits his favorite stray#level 16 caleb who takes one look at how much trouble king gets in and has all these killer high level spells to defend him--
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NFL draft profile: No. 12 — Temple LB Haason Reddick, explosive rusher but positional question
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Temple LB Haason Reddick 6-foot-1, 237 pounds
Key stat: Broke out in his senior season with 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks after accumulating 23.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in his first three seasons combined.
Temple’s Haason Reddick came out of nowhere to develop into a first-round prospect. (AP)
The skinny: Reddick barely played his final two years of high school after suffering a fractured femur as a junior and a torn meniscus as a senior and was forced to walk on at Temple as a zero-star recruit. Reddick weighed 185 when he arrived and was pegged to play cornerback but following his redshirt season of 2012 he was playing defensive end, eventually played nine games (one start) mostly as a reserve. Got off track following a season-ending injury in 2014 and an offseason arrest in 2015, charged with aggravated assault for his role in an off-campus fight but avoided trial after participating in a diversionary program. In the fall that year, Reddick started 12 of the team’s 14 games at end and started to come on, with 12.5 TFLs and five sacks. Earned right to switch to single-digit uniform number, granted to players on Matt Rhule’s team who display exemplary toughness. Reddick then backed it up with a standout senior season in 2016, adding four pass breakups and three forced fumbles to his gaudy TFL and sack totals.
Reddick was invited to the Senior Bowl and was one of the week’s standout players, looking almost unblockable at times in one-on-one pass-rush drills. Turned in exceptional numbers at the NFL scouting combine in the 40-yard dash (4.52), vertical jump (36.5 inches), broad jump (133 inches), and 3-cone drill (7.01) and working out with the linebackers. Reddick will turn 23 in September.
Best-suited destination: It would be hard to imagine him as a down lineman in the NFL at 240-250 pounds, assuming he could bulk up that much, given his smaller frame. Some weight gain would be natural, but we feel his best role will be as a 3-4 rusher, or perhaps even as a do-it-all linebacker whose responsibilities are worked in naturally and gradually (like the New England Patriots did with Jamie Collins in his rookie season). Teams we think might have particular interest in Reddick include the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins.
Upside: Quick-twitch rusher who shoots off the snap and closes fast. Short-area burst and quickness, and his combine 40 times opened eyes and stirred the creative juices of defensive coaches watching him. Reddick has natural rush instincts and can turn the corner in a flash. Also can dip underneath and slip through tight windows to disrupt. Light on his feet and can bounce from one gap to the next quickly. Flattens with urgency and will make big plays from the backside. Also rushes with good power and leverage for his size, converting speed to power as well as any rusher close to his size in this draft class. Rushed from left and right sides in both two- and three-point stances.
Has good field vision, likely developed from playing safety in high school, coming into the program as a corner, playing as down rusher and also dropping into short zones and standing up. A rare three-level player in college. Quick and agile enough to be used as spy against mobile quarterbacks. Wasn’t asked to drop into space all that often but showed some decent instincts and coverage ability in short zones. If you want to see a good example of how Reddick does a solid job of reading the quarterback’s eyes in zone coverage and reacting quickly, here’s a play against Cincinnati that demonstrates it:
Temple’s Haason Reddick can close quickly when asked to drop into coverage. (Draftbreakdown.com)
Engaging in team interviews at Senior Bowl, NFL combine and private meetings. The kind of player and person NFL teams want in their locker room. Tough, smart and driven. Earned respect of Owls staff and set tone in the locker room. Self-made player who is still ascending.
Downside: Short arms and sawed-off frame. Could get swallowed up by long-armed tackles who can handle Reddick’s quickness. Has big hands but must learn how to use them to better disengage from blocks. Can get swallowed up if he doesn’t get a step on bigger offensive linemen. Power and leverage might not translate as easily moving forward in the NFL. Often runs too wide or upfield on rushes and can get out of his lane. More effective rushing from the left side than the right (although that didn’t appear to be the case in Senior Bowl 1-on-1s).
Must continue to diversify his game — honing his pass-rush moves, earning more reps on his feet and demonstrating he can cover backs and tight ends, especially in man coverage. Played some “Mike” and “Jack” linebacker (see South Florida game) and occasionally had trouble finding the ball and overshot some gaps. Still developing LB instincts. Stamina could be a slight concern, despite his athleticism — rotated in and out at Temple and has an injury history dating back to high school. Will flail and bounce off too many tackles — needs to learn how to wrap up and finish better. Character must be investigated following 2015 incident (although this is not a concern for most teams).
Scouting hot take: “Love his tape, love the motor. I just don’t know where you’d play him. He’d be a 4-3 [Will] [linebacker] for us … I think. We had a little disagreement on that with the coaches when we kicked that around a bit. But no way we’re putting him with his hand on the ground, not full time I mean. I’d guess he gets looks by more 3-4 teams. I think it comes down to the team that drafts him has to have a pretty clear vision of how they’re using him, and your Year 2 plan might [be different] than your Year 2 plan. But I see the Ravens take guys like this every year and make them into players. That’s what good coaching staffs do.” — NFC college scouting director
Player comp: He’s a tricky player to pigeonhole, depending on what position he’s projected to, but we see elements of Jerry Hughes, Jamie Collins, Jason Worilds, Rosevelt Colvin and Erik Walden as an undersized rusher.
Expected draft range: Top-25 pick, and perhaps as high as the early teens.
Previous profiles
Nos. 51-100: Here’s who just missed the cut No. 50: Indiana OG-C Dan Feeney No. 49: Iowa DB Desmond King No. 48: Vanderbilt LB Zach Cunningham No. 47: Wisconsin pass rusher T.J. Watt No. 46. Alabama pass rusher Tim Williams No. 45. Washington CB Sidney Jones No. 44. Alabama LB Ryan Anderson No. 43. Ohio State WR-RB Curtis Samuel No. 42. Florida DT Caleb Brantley No. 41. Connecticut DB Obi Melifonwu No. 40. USC CB-KR Adoree’ Jackson No. 39. Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes No. 38. Michigan State DL Malik McDowell No. 37: Ole Miss TE Evan Engram No. 36: Florida LB Jarrad Davis No. 35: Washington S Budda Baker No. 34: Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon No. 33: Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey No. 32: Florida CB Quincy Wilson No. 31: Tennessee RB Alvin Kamara No. 30: Michigan DB-RS Jabrill Peppers No. 29: Alabama OT Cam Robinson No. 28: Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer No. 27: LSU CB Tre’Davious White No. 26: Missouri DE Charles Harris No. 25: UCLA pass rusher Takkarist McKinley No. 24: Michigan DE Taco Charlton No. 23: Wisconsin OT Ryan Ramczyk No. 22: Utah OT Garett Bolles No. 21: Western Kentucky OG-C Forrest Lamp No. 20: Florida State RB Dalvin Cook No. 19: Miami (Fla.) TE David Njoku No. 18: Tennessee DE Derek Barnett No. 17: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson No. 16: North Carolina QB Mitchell Trubisky No. 15: Washington WR John Ross No. 14: Clemson WR Mike Williams No. 13: Western Michigan WR Corey Davis
– – – – – – –
Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
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New faces
AFL CLUB lists are turned over at a rapid rate these days – so quickly that it’s sometimes hard to keep up with the changes.
To keep you up to speed, AFL.com.au reporters have compiled a review of all the players yet to make their debut at every club, including those who have swapped teams.
Jonathon Beech: The rookie-listed forward picked up a calf injury in the opening game against Richmond. Didn’t play after that.
Harry Dear: Didn’t have a major impact in his two games. The key forward also spent time in the ruck and needs to hone his game in the SANFL.
Jordan Gallucci: The Crows’ top draft pick had some nice touches through the midfield, but only had six possessions against Brisbane. Will get better with competition against bigger bodies in the SANFL.
Dean Gore: Copped a heavy knock against Geelong and missed the last game with concussion. The third-year midfielder looks a fair way off.
Hugh Greenwood: The former basketballer looks a likely type in the midfield. Had 14 possessions and five tackles against the Brisbane Lions.
Curtly Hampton: One of the success stories of the JLT Community Series. Made a great transition to the midfield with his pace and ball use. Firming for a round one spot.
Troy Menzel: Showed positive signs with increased work-rate and defensive pressure in the forward line. Also used across half-back.
Myles Poholke: Had limited game time in his two appearances before playing the SANFL trial last weekend. Attacks the ball hard, but needs to find more of it.
Harrison Wigg: Impressed off a half-back flank in the opening game against Richmond, but didn’t play in the third JLT game against the Brisbane Lions. – Lee Gaskin
Jacob Allison: Got a taste of senior footy with a half in two separate games. Had his moments in the backline but will likely do most of his development in the NEAFL this year.
Jake Barrett: The former Giant was drafted as a rookie, but impressed in his three appearances as a small forward. Has a hunger for the contest and would not surprise to see him play a number of games.
Cedric Cox: Got thrown into the final game against Adelaide and had some nice touches. Needs a little more size but is super-skilled and will get some games.
Jack Frost: The former Magpie looks a great replacement for retired Dan Merrett. Will miss round one through suspension but has a crucial role in 2017.
Hugh McCluggage: The No.3 draft pick got two games in before sustaining an ankle injury against the Dogs that has him in doubt for round one. Showed touches of class and is clearly in the best team. – Michael Whiting
Zac Fisher: The diminutive midfielder has shown promising signs with his pace and creativity. Impressed with his courage in playing a half against Melbourne but battled against St Kilda.
Matt Korcheck: The Category B International Rookie was given his chance against St Kilda and showed he still had a fair way to go, struggling in the ruck against Billy Longer.
Kym Lebois: Gave a brief glimpse of his considerable talent with a magnificent snap goal against Melbourne. Quiet for the rest of the game but has impressed at VFL level.
Harrison Macreadie: Showed promising signs against St Kilda, picking up 13 possessions, and given limited game-time against Fremantle. Lightly built but courageous and knows how to find the ball.
Caleb Marchbank: Courageous and versatile key defender who will be a valuable addition for the Blues after an injury-interrupted 2016. Needs to work on his disposal though.
Harry McKay: Was close to getting a senior berth late last season but on his form this pre-season is still a fair way off. Still raw, but Blues hold high hopes for him.
Rhys Palmer: Went through the midfield against the Saints and Dockers and won plenty of the ball without hurting the opposition. Experience handy and likely to spend time in attack.
Jarrod Pickett: Was most impressive against Fremantle last Friday night. Quick, clever, dangerous around goal and strong overhead for his size, he is likely to play in round one.
Cameron Polson: Played with passion in his only opportunity against St Kilda, impressing with his defensive pressure and ability to break the lines. Likely prospect with speed and skill.
Alex Silvagni: Former Docker was given his opportunity against his former team and was solid in defence. He will be a handy back-up with his experience if required.
Billie Smedts: Former Cat has enjoyed an injury-free pre-season and is moving well in the midfield. Missed a few scoring opportunities against Fremantle and needs to clean up his disposal.
Tom Williamson: The lightly built medium defender showed promising signs in his only game against St Kilda. Saw plenty of action in the back half, finishing with 10 disposals. – Howard Kotton
Caleb Marchbank has shown he will be a useful player for the Blues. Picture: AFL Photos
Josh Daicos
His six possessions in the last quarter of the opening JLT were silky. A one-touch player, he might get a senior game later in the season but will take time.
Lynden Dunn
No surprises from the former Demon. He is a competitor who kicks the ball long. The odd mistake is likely but he will give 100 per cent.
Will Hoskin-Elliott
Showed on more than one occasion the touch of class he possesses, with his one-handed mark on the weekend a highlight. However, he needs more consistency. A good runner, he can fly for marks and snap goals.
Chris Mayne
Will be judged harshly by Magpie fans but the coach rates his contribution highly, as he can organise the forward line as well as kick goals. A 30-goal season would be outstanding.
Henry Schade
An excellent pre-season from the rookie has him in line for a round one spot. Tall and skinny he shows poise with the ball and defends well. – Peter Ryan
Joshua Begley: Slotted four goals versus Gold Coast and handed off a couple of others. Wasn’t as prominent against Geelong but that inconsistency is to be expected from an 18-year-old.
Dylan Clarke: Of his 11 disposals against the Suns, eight were handballs. He has serious running power but will need to improve his kicking to make the grade.
Josh Green: Former Lion provided a spark up forward and should be part of a dangerous group of smalls at the Bombers, with Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti also down there.
Andrew McGrath: The No.1 selection last year started quietly against Collingwood but improved in the next two games. His handballing in the contest was an asset, although McGrath will likely play across half-back.
Jordan Ridley: Made the trip up to Mackay to face Gold Coast and the backman did some nice things defensively. Also pushed up the ground to send the ball into attack. Is out for up to 12 weeks with a back injury.
James Stewart: Kicked a brilliant goal against the Suns and otherwise provided a target up forward. Depth among talls will be tested at Essendon after injuries to Tom Bellchambers and Matthew Leuenberger, so he may need to pinch hit in the ruck. – Dinny Navaratnam
Sean Darcy: The only Dockers draftee to play all three JLT Community Series games. The bullocking ruckman gives his all and would have learned plenty playing alongside Aaron Sandilands and Jonathon Griffin. Looks a strong chance to debut this year.
Griffin Logue: Had a few nervy moments on a much-anticipated club debut against Carlton but had no trouble finding the ball and warmed into the action, booting a booming supergoal in the final term. A work in progress but showed promising signs.
Joel Hamling: Found the going tough opposed to Eagles star Josh Kennedy in his first game in purple, but his reading of the play was excellent in the win over Collingwood and he was solid against the Blues. Intercept marking will give Freo another dimension down back.
Bradley Hill: The speedy wingman has been one of Freo’s best performers across pre-season. An allergic reaction before the West Coast game wasn’t an ideal start, but Hill was back to his damaging best against Collingwood and Carlton. Looms as a key to the Dockers’ fortunes with his line-breaking run.
Cam McCarthy: Enjoyed a timely confidence boost by bagging six majors against Carlton. His work rate can’t be faulted and, while expectations need to be tempered, McCarthy has shaken off some rust after a year on the sidelines.
Shane Kersten: Didn’t set the world on fire over pre-season, however a lack of supply in the loss to West Coast and a rib injury in the second game against Collingwood didn’t help his cause. Competed hard to end up with 10 touches and a goal against the Blues. – Travis King
Aaron Black: Started his Cats career in style with four goals against Hawthorn, three of which kept his new club in the game. Was quiet against Adelaide with seven touches and no goals, and didn’t play against Essendon.
Jordan Cunico: Third-year utility only played against Hawthorn, where he collected 18 disposals and took two marks. Is aiming to put knee injuries behind him and break into the side in a half forward role.
Zach Guthrie: Young defender did his chances of early-season promotion from the rookie list no harm with two promising performances; had 24 touches against Hawthorn and 18 (and seven marks) against Adelaide.
Jack Henry: Versatile athlete who joined the club in last year’s rookie draft picked up five touches and kicked a goal in his only appearance, which was against Hawthorn in the first week.
Brandan Parfitt: Recent draftee is in line for round one selection after a trio of encouraging performances. Played forward with stints through the midfield, and had 11 touches against Hawthorn, 12 against Adelaide, and 18 against Essendon.
Tom Stewart: The defender from the Cats’ VFL team had a consistent pre-season with 16 touches and eight marks against Hawthorn, 15 and seven against Adelaide, and 10 and four against Essendon.
Zach Tuohy: Showed why he looms as the logical replacement for Corey Enright across half-back with three encouraging hit-outs after crossing from Carlton. Averaged over 28 touches across the three games. – Jennifer Phelan
Brandan Parfitt and Zach Guthrie have impressed in the JLT Community Series. Picture: AFL Photos
Ben Ainsworth: Encouraging series of games for the No.4 pick. Hard to always be involved as a small forward, but is clever, tough, and a round one lock.
Michael Barlow: Fitted in superbly since moving from Freo. In the leadership group and played three strong games, whether in the middle or resting forward.
Jack Bowes: The Suns Academy player showed glimpses of his class through the series, where coach Rodney Eade played him primarily at back-half. Will play a lot of games this year.
Will Brodie: Another of Gold Coast’s top-10 picks, Brodie is just outside the best 22 but offered plenty of grunt when thrown into the midfield. Drifted out of games as they wore on, but that’s to be expected.
Pearce Hanley: Like Barlow, has made the transition between clubs easily. Played a variety of roles and will be crucial this season.
Jarryd Lyons: Only played the final game after a slight Achilles niggle. Will be better for the run and showed he’ll be a vital cog in the rotation with his ball-winning ability.
Jarrod Witts: His excellent pre-season was slightly disrupted by split webbing, but Witts will start round one and has shown he can be valuable both in the ruck and around the ground. – Michael Whiting
Isaac Cumming: The defender had limited impact in his one game but has plenty of time to learn his craft from the best in the business, Heath Shaw.
Matthew Flynn: The second-year ruckman struggled to have an impact in his only match against West Coast but his competitiveness was impressive.
Tendai Mzungu: The former Docker hasn’t put a foot wrong and was outstanding in his only outing, now just needs to keep piling on the pressure.
Harry Perryman: Looked at home across half-back against West Coast and is tough as nails, could get an early season call up with some consistent performances.
Will Setterfield: One of the team’s best against the Eagles, the draftee found it tougher second up against the Swans, but looks great with the ball in his hands.
Zac Sproule: The rookie didn’t get much of it in his only game but like a lot of his teammates, will benefit from his time in the NEAFL.
Tim Taranto: Brilliant in close with his hands and tough as nails, as shown by his recovery from a Franklin smashing. A lock for round one.
Lachlan Tiziani: Gave some glimpses of his talent against the Eagles, with his speed and agility likely to make him tough to defend inside 50. – Adam Curley
Ricky Henderson: The former Crow played in the brown and gold just once, against Port Adelaide last Sunday. He picked up 21 disposals across half-back and pushed forward for a supergoal.
Teia Miles: Played every JLT Community Series game in a sign he will face Essendon in round one. Can play at either end of the ground and has a nice kick.
Tom Mitchell: Sat out the opening pre-season match versus Geelong but led his side’s disposal count the next two games. His vision and hands are excellent.
Harry Morrison: Barely took to the field versus the Power and otherwise didn’t play in the pre-season. The defender will likely spend the year developing in the VFL.
Conor Nash: Tough to get a read on Nash, who featured in 15 per cent of game time against the Power. Don’t expect to see the Irishman feature for the Hawks in 2017.
Jaeger O’Meara: The early signs are promising. Racked up plenty of the ball and if he can burst from contested situations as he did at the Suns, O’Meara will be tough to stop.
Tyrone Vickery: Solid without being special, which is all Hawthorn is asking for. Having a big man create a contest up forward and help out in the ruck is important for the Hawks’ game-plan.
Dallas Willsmore: The left-footer was drafted as a rookie in 2013 but didn’t do much playing half the match versus Geelong, picking up two handballs. – Dinny Navaratnam
Early signs have been promising for Jaeger O’Meara. Picture: AFL Photos
Jordan Lewis: The four-time premiership Hawk has fitted seamlessly into Melbourne’s team. Spent the majority of his time during the pre-season series in defence, where the Demons are trying to utilise his sharp decision-making and clean disposal.
Jake Melksham: Melksham played in the midfield and at half-back during the JLT Community Series. Still trying to find his role in the side, although his seasoned body and ability to accumulate possessions stood out.
Michael Hibberd: The ex-Bomber picked up 13 disposals in his only JLT hit-out against Carlton. Will be much better equipped once he develops familiarity with his new teammates. Missed the final game against West Coast with Achilles soreness.
Joel Smith: The supremely athletic defender was one of the standouts on the training track over the summer and earned his opportunity in two JLT games. The rookie may not play round one, but the son of former Demon high-flyer Shaun will play senior football at some stage this year.
Dion Johnstone: Got a taste of senior footy in limited game time against Carlton. Drafted at pick No.68 in last year’s draft, Johnstone’s hardness and smarts around goal during the pre-season impressed Melbourne’s coaches. Could debut in 2017. – Ben Guthrie
Sam Durdin: The Roos’ first pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, at No.16 overall, has impressed this pre-season after being allowed to settle in defence. Played North’s first two JLT games and looks capable of playing as an intercepting third defender in 2017.
Mitchell Hibberd: Played all three JLT games, his best performance coming against Hawthorn (25 possessions). The second-year defender is an exciting prospect with his height (190cm) and outstanding endurance, but is let down by his disposal at times.
Nathan Hrovat: The former Western Bulldog appears a certainty for round one after slotting in seamlessly at North as a high half-forward. Kicked two goals in each of the Roos’ opening two JLT games and his class delivery inside 50 stood out.
Nick Larkey: The versatile tall earned a taste of senior football in North’s opening JLT game after an impressive first pre-season. Remains a long-term prospect with 2017 likely to be a development year.
Ben McKay: The second-year key forward did not see a lot of the ball in the Roos’ opening two JLT games, but his work rate and appetite for the contest could not be questioned. Set to start 2017 in the VFL but North will be looking to blood him later in the season.
Declan Mountford: With Ben Jacobs sidelined with recurring foot troubles, the hard-running midfielder has impressed as a run-with on-baller, most notably curbing Jaeger O’Meara’s influence in the second half of the Hawks clash. A chance to debut in round one.
Braydon Preuss: The ruckman has been perhaps North’s most improved player this pre-season, impressing as a sole ruck and in partnership with No.1 big man Todd Goldstein. If he’s to break into the Roos’ 22 when Goldstein’s fit, however, he will have to show he can have an impact in attack.
Jy Simpkin: Last year’s No.12 draft pick had not played since April last year when he returned from a broken leg against Hawthorn last month, but his performances in North’s final two pre-season games suggest he will debut in round one. Classy and composed, his snapped goal in the third quarter against the Giants suggests he will add much-needed X-factor to the Kangaroos.
Matthew Taylor: The first-year rookie did not look out of place across half-back in the Roos’ JLT win over Sydney, but North has a raft of medium defenders ahead of him in the selection queue.
Ed Vickers-Willis: Finally over the injury problems that ruined his first season and a half at Arden St, the 190cm defender’s composure and sound decision-making should see him slot into North’s back six from round one.
Declan Watson: The first-year key defender’s impressive performances during pre-season match practice earned him a spot in North’s opening JLT game, but he’s likely to spend 2017 in the VFL honing his craft. A strong intercept mark.
Marley Williams: The former Magpie should address North’s need for a small defender who can play on the elite goalsneaks. Performed solidly in the first two JLT games and seems set to make his club debut in round one.
Cameron Zurhaar: The first-year rookie was lively in attack in his one JLT game against Hawthorn and has a mature body that is ready made for AFL football if he can press his claims in the VFL. – Nick Bowen
Joe Atley: The Power’s third pick at last year’s draft played all three games and worked hard at stoppages. The midfielder had eight contested possessions against Hawthorn.
Willem Drew: Didn’t have much of a chance to impress and had only three touches in his one game against Richmond. Will develop in the SANFL.
Brett Eddy: The 27-year-old rookie booted five goals against Hawthorn to all but confirm he’ll be making his AFL debut in round one.
Dan Houston: Drafted as a forward, but looked assured in his role across half-back. May have played himself into a round one debut.
Aidyn Johnson: The pacy forward had limited opportunities in his two games. He is ineligible for round one after an off-field incident.
Sam Powell-Pepper: Went into beast mode against Hawthorn, fending off Shaun Burgoyne and taking all before him. A certain starter for round one. – Lee Gaskin
Brett Eddy parcelled up a round one debut with five goals against Hawthorn. Picture: AFL Photos
Dan Butler: Handy half-forward who can move up the ground, has played all JLT matches, kicked a goal a game and pushed for a round one debut in his third season.
Josh Caddy: Looked good on debut, using his size and playing both midfield and forward, but tailed off in the second and third JLT matches, spending a lot of time forward.
Toby Nankervis: A lock for number one ruck spot, he has got his hands dirty at ground level and generated some football around the ground. Improvement still to come in ruck contests.
Dion Prestia: Played two of three JLT matches and made an impact, adding midfield grunt and pushing forward to kick two goals. Will be important and has better football in him.
Ivan Soldo: Project ruckman is coming on and was given an opportunity in the final pre-season game, playing a half. The rookie might be called on if injuries strike, but needs experience.
Tyson Stengle: An exciting small forward who looked good in intra-club practice, he played a half against Collingwood and kicked one goal. – Nathan Schmook
Nathan Brown: Big bodies in defence are what the Saints need and Brown provides that. Shut down Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon in St Kilda’s first JLT Community Series game.
Jake Carlisle: Played every pre-season match and worked into reasonable form without being outstanding. Faced a tough challenge when manning Lance Franklin last Sunday but acquitted himself well.
Ben Long: St Kilda’s first draftee last year used the ball well in limited minutes versus Carlton. Probably won’t play in the senior team early in the season but could make his debut in 2017.
Bailey Rice: Received a chance against Carlton, the other team that could have selected Rice as a father-son pick. Played most of the game but broke a finger and was relatively quiet.
Jack Steele: Slots straight into the best 22. Limited game time versus the Power but had 53 disposals and 20 tackles from his next two matches. His strength in the contest was obvious.
Koby Stevens: A dodgy prawn forced him to miss the last match. Has added a tough body and the Saints like his ability to play forward. His best form is certainly good enough for AFL level. – Dinny Navaratnam
Darcy Cameron: The mature-age recruit has put his hand up for a round one debut with a solid JLT Series in the ruck and as a deep forward.
Shaun Edwards: As he has done at his two previous clubs, the speedster has had his moments, but consistency still his biggest issue.
Sam Fisher: Limited opportunities for the rookie in his first season, but could be a handy medium-sized forward with more development.
Oliver Florent: The club’s number one draft pick has settled well at senior level, and his speed and quality finishing should earn him a round one debut.
Robbie Fox: The mature-age midfielder has done some good work around stoppages and is a smoky for round one with the Swans’ injury worries.
Will Hayward: Struggled with the intensity of the game against GWS but looks a fantastic prospect as a medium forward.
Jack Maibaum: Another draftee to step up with his physical work in defence, and not out of the equation for round one.
Lewis Melican: Carried his 2016 NEAFL form into this year and if Aliir Aliir doesn’t prove his fitness, could fill a key defensive role in the season opener.
Ben Ronke: Impressive with his attack on the footy and the opposition, the rookie has done his chances of an upgrade no harm. – Adam Curley
Tarir Bayok: The Sudanese teenager has lit up training with his electric pace and booted a goal on his Eagles debut against the Giants. Has plenty to learn as a category B rookie, but appears an exciting type.
Paddy Brophy: The athletic Irishman came on in leaps and bounds for East Perth last season – finishing third in the best and fairest. Was quiet in the loss to the Giants with three touches against GWS after sitting out the first half.
Tom Gorter: A promising prospect, Gorter is comfortable in the Eagles’ defensive system after being drafted from WAFL affiliate East Perth. Had seven touches on debut against the Giants.
Sam Mitchell Two mouthwatering pre-season games have whet West Coast fans’ appetites to see the former Hawks champion’s impact during the season proper. Mitchell had 28 and 39 touches, with his creative ball use making those around him better. There have been no signs the 34-year-old is slowing down. Could he be the difference in the Eagles’ flag quest?
Kurt Mutimer: Was among the better-performed West Coast youngsters against GWS, booting a goal and collecting 11 touches. The strong-bodied left-footer is developing into a powerful midfielder.
Luke Partington: One to watch in 2017 for a potential debut after an impressive pre-season. The hard-running 20-year-old picked up 12 touches against GWS, showcasing his ability to play inside and out.
Drew Petrie: A strong chance to make an emotional return to face his old North Melbourne teammates in round one after two rock-solid JLT performances. Worked himself into the ground in the heat against Freo, before winning 17 hit-outs and 13 touches versus Melbourne in a highly competitive display.
Josh Rotham: The young running defender only played a half against the Giants with limited impact. Will take time to develop and put on some muscle, but his talent and clean skills have been obvious at training over summer.
Jordan Snadden: Tall second-year rookie showed potential in the loss to GWS from a handful of touches. Has some exciting athletic attributes, good skills and throws himself into the fray.
Nathan Vardy: The former Cats big man has delivered everything the Eagles could have asked for over the pre-season competition by carrying the lead ruck role, working hard around the ground and offering another marking option in attack. A bargain trade for pick No.72 in last year’s draft if his body holds up.
Jake Waterman: Competed well in his only appearance against the Giants, leading a young West Coast forward line starved of supply. Has tons of potential.
Francis Watson: Dash from half-back caught the eye at training over summer and the category B rookie was one of the best Eagles youngsters in the loss to GWS in Narrandera, gathering 15 touches. A likely type. – Travis King
Sam Mitchell might be the difference in the Eagles’ flag quest. Picture: AFL Photos
Travis Cloke: The former Magpie impressed in his first two outings for the Dogs, and is odds on to face his old side in round one. Will spend time in the ruck to cover for the injured Jordan Roughead and Tom Campbell.
Tim English: The lightly built ruckman showed in one JLT hit-out why is highly rated by the club. The skillful 19-year-old will be considered for a round one debut.
Patrick Lipinski: Despite picking up just five possessions in his only pre-season encounter, the half-forward did enough to suggest he has a future at the highest level.
Lewis Young: The key forward competed well in the JLT clash against the Brisbane Lions, but will be given plenty of time to develop with Footscray in the VFL.
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh: The rookie-listed key position prospect also had just the one opportunity against the Lions, and like the rest of the debutants in that game, won praise from coach Luke Beveridge for his efforts. – Ryan Davidson
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