2006 AFL Draft

It's finally here, all the talent scouting that clubs have been doing over the past year has reached the point where they will finally have the opportunity to draft new blood into their teams.

First of all, Carlton has used its first pick to select South Aussie Bryce Gibbs. Not a surprise to me as he always seemed to be the number one pick. Seeing as this is the best draft since the AFL has begun, the decision will definitely pay off for the Blues.

It also looks like West Aussie Scott Gumbleton from Peel is headed to windy hill to join the Bombers next season. Scott will play a prolific role in the regeneration of the struggling side.

Scott also has made 14.2 in the beep test, which for those of us who have been heavily involved in Athletics in the past, is extremely superb and indicates high fitness and endurance levels. He is also a very strong overhead mark and will be a powerhouse for the team. Another example of Peel losing all their quality players to the AFL, they will struggle once again in the WAFL next year.

Joel Selwood ended up at Geelong, and that will suit him ok even if he's not playing with his brothers at Brisbane or West Coast. He'll still feel at home in country Victoria and will fit in to the club like a glove.

Looks like there's another Nathan Brown in the comp, this one hailing again from country Victoria and ending up at Collingwood. With the Pies having 2 first round draft picks (freo missing out due to the trade) they have also picked up Ben Reid, a strong Left Footer who can play forward or back. He's speed and size will probably land him up forward more often though.

West Coast have picked up Nathan's twin brother, Mitchell. With a beep test of 14.1, you all know what this means. He can also play at either end of the ground, adding to the Eagle's versatile squad.

Some of the other first round picks:

Kangaroos - Lachlan Hansen from Gippsland
Brisbane - Matthew Leuenberger from East Perth
Port Adelaide - Travis Boak from Geelong Falcons
Hawthorn - Mitchell Thorp from Tassie Mariners
St Kilda - David Armitage from Morningside (QLD)
Western Bulldogs - Andreis Everitt from Dandenong
Melbourne - James Frawley from North Ballarat
Richmond - Jack Riewoldt from Tassie Mariners
Adelaide - James Sellar from Glenelg (no surprises there)
Sydney - Daniel O'Keefe from Geelong Falcons