After the completion of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, westernbulldogs.com.au looks at how some of the draft experts rated the Club’s two first round picks.
Western Australian key defender Aaron Naughton was taken at pick 9, while running defender Ed Richards joined the Bulldogs with pick 16.
Later in the draft, the Club selected midfielder Callum Porter with pick 74.
Aaron Naughton
Pick 9
Peel Thunder, WA
Cal Twomey (AFL Media)
Naughton has established himself as the best key defender in the draft after an impressive second half of the season playing at senior level in the WAFL. Athletically Naughton is very strong – he was a great performer at the Draft Combine, finishing in the top 10 for agility and the Yo-Yo endurance test – and that comes through in his game. Opponents find it hard to get away from him, and he manages to get in a spoil when he looks out of position.
Kevin Sheahan (AFL Talent Manager)
Left-footed tall defender who showed dash from defence, strength overhead and a penetrating and
accurate kick in winning Western Australia's MVP. Averaged 14.8 disposals, 5.2 marks and 2.8 rebound 50's during the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships winning All-Australian honours. Showed future potential with an outstanding start to his senior career with Peel Thunder in the back half of the year.
Shane Creevey (Peel Thunder Football Manager)
A highly rated key defender who is very strong, a great overhead mark and uses his play-reading to intercept in the back half. Played seven games later in the year and was in the best players in four of those games. In one game he took 10 marks, which is pretty handy for an 18-year-old playing against grown men.
Ed Richards
Pick 16
Oakleigh Chargers
Cal Twomey (AFL Media)
Richards was one of the surprises of this year's group, having not played for Vic Metro at the championships. However, he stormed up the board as a likely first-round pick with an impressive end to the season with the Oakleigh Chargers. The classy and quick left-footer gave good drive out of the back line, he's very poised with his disposals and doesn't get flustered, and he has the no-nonsense approach of a natural footballer. With speed and good ball use a priority for clubs out of defence it's easy to see why recruiters have enjoyed Richards' rise.
Kevin Sheahan (AFL Talent Manager)
Left-footed medium defender who was a dominant player in APS football this year with his intercept
marking and play making across half back features of his game. Also played seven matches for the Oakleigh Chargers. Grandson of the former Collingwood legend Ron Richards.
Craig Notman (Oakleigh Chargers talent manager)
Ed came into our program late. He was the success story of our year and a testament to his character and the time and effort he puts into his footy. He’s no-nonsense with the way he goes about it and has speed, competitiveness and is good overhead. He breaks lines and has flexibility in where he can play whether it’s back, mid or forward. He’s an exciting prospect with growth left in him.
