Billy Batts

Sittin’ on a shinebox and watching tv and movies since the f’n 80s!

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

1. Jaxon Artemis (Tasmania)
After the 2024 draft, Billy was shocked that WA's Artemis wasn't taken. He was Billy's highest-ranked undrafted player & has now shown his ability in the VFL. Primarily a running HB, with a high kick-to-HB ratio. Can also play wing & kick running goals

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

2. Flynn Riley (Carlton)
Kicks on his LF, but uses his RH mostly for HO. Is adept at using both hands to dish off to mids, allowing him to get good clearance numbers & release mids into dangerous spots. Now 22yo, has increased disp & HO numbers as expected. Big upside still too

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

3. Marcus Herbert (Geelong)
100% ready to play. Strong body that doesn't need to develop. Good as a running def that intercepts, but has plenty of mid experience in u18 footy & at Geel, where he won their VFL B&F. Steps through traffic and kicks goals. Great attitude & leadership

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

4. Xavier Bamert (North Melbourne)
On the cusp of being drafted last yr, the Stingrays capt was good in CTL, but like teammate Hibbins-Hargreaves, was pushed out to the wing/flanks at the Champs where others outshone him. Has impressed at VFL with his strong body, marking & goals

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

5. Kye Annand (Geelong)
Surprise surprise - a Geelong player with long blonde hair and a head band. The 200cm KD became a ruckman at Ocean Grove, but looks an AFL prospect in defence. Tall, mobile, athletic, strong, with good closing speed, strong marking, and spoiling technique

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

6. Alex Van Wyk (North Adelaide)
The 203cm 21yo is far from the finished product as a top-level ruckman. Looked a major prospect before an ankle injury around MSD time last yr. Is producing similar solid results now. While not shooting the lights out, there's plenty of upside

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

7. Sam Toner (Richmond)
Specked in last yr's MSD, the loping HF has put together a stronger campaign this yr, off a good finish last yr. Pretty much doubled his goals-per-game tally this season while increasing his disposals. Has 4 x 3+ goal games already this yr, with a 6 v StK

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

8. Joel Fitzgerald (Williamstown)
Unlikely to find a home in the MSD, but not much more he could do to press his claims. Playing off HB and through the midfield, the 22yo has avg 34 possies in the VFL this yr, notching up 40 v Ess. Is a nice size for a modern day mid at 189cm

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

9. Caleb May (West Adelaide)
The 208cm giant was an MSD option last yr, but has shown some growth in the last 12mths. Good below his knees considering his height, and he has dropped weight this yr to help him make more ruck contests, reflected in his big HO numbers this yr

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

10. Jackson Voss (Frankston)
Can bring a needed smile to Uncle Michael's face by getting an MSD spot. Consistebt ball-winning ability in the VFL. Strong body with a raking left foot, that conjures Stewart Dew memories on both kick-ins and long-range goals

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

Billy awakes from his slumber in anticipation of today's AFL MSD. Here are 15 of the best options that clubs should be looking at. But of course, some won't be considered. It takes a while for AFL clubs to catch up with Billy
#AFLDraft #AFLMSD #MSD

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

11. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Subiaco)
Hard-luck story of last year's draft pool is definitely good enough to be on an AFL list, but he lacks consistency. Can play on all 3 lines with aplomb, with his recent performance for WA's u20 team a stand-out, gathering 30+ & 2 goals off HB

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

12. Ollie Griffin (Sand Dragons)
Mobile marking target with good goal sense. Probably doesn't find enough of the ball yet for his size (185cm), but is still only 18yo. Has x-factor, is a good overhead mark, and has a leap that allows him to pinch-hit it ruck contests at CTL level

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

13. Thomas Barnett (Coburg)
Young KD with plenty of upside. Has enough height (196cm) to play on the genuine KFs, is a strong mark, and is trusted with his kicking out of defence

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

14. Nathan Philactides (Sandringham)
Most clubs have 2-3 running HBs on their list. But the late drafting of Archie Roberts, after all clubs passed on him, has taught us that thinking a role is covered can stop you getting a good player. Philac has dash & an attacking mindset

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

15. Josh Edwards (Perth)
If he sorted out his MSD nom, he is a good option for a club wanting a readymade ruck. Little bro doing well at Geel after a couple of yrs in the system. Josh's body is already there. Has done well in WAFL against WCE's Williams & Freo's Riddell this yr

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

The Back-ups Part 5

One last pre-draft appetiser, and it's the big one!
#AFLDraft

Pt 1
1st Choice- L Dovaston
Back-up- Z Peucker

Pt 2
1st Choice- S Robey
Back-up- O Greeves

Pt 3
1st Choice- C Duff-Tytler
Back-up- S Ainsworth

Pt 4
1st Choice- J Phillipou
Back-up- T Whan

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

The Back-ups Part 4

It's Draft Day! The Back-ups series will wind down, but not before giving you a couple more to look at
#AFLDraft

Pt 1
1st Choice- L Dovaston
Back-up- Z Peucker

Pt 2
1st Choice- S Robey
Back-up- O Greeves

Pt 3
1st Choice- C Duff-Tytler
Back-up- S Ainsworth

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

The Back-ups Part 3

Going into Wed draft night 1, we continue the theme of alternatives to players high up on Phantom Draft boards. Let's find another bargain
#AFLDraft

Pt 1
1st Choice- Lachy Dovaston
Back-up- Zane Peucker

Pt 2
1st Choice- Sullivan Robey
Back-up- Ollie Greeves

[Billy Batts @BillyBatts101]

The Back-ups Part 2

In this series Billy names a player high up in the Phantom Drafts of @CalTwomey @Jasperc53 @EdPascoe_Draft, then finds a player of similar quality lower on the draft board & more gettable
#AFLDraft

Pt 1 recap
1st Choice- Lachy Dovaston
Back-up- Zane Peucker