Jaidyn Stephenson vs Aaron Naughton

[inxs88]

Interesting to denote that both these selections from the 2017 AFL draft had dominant matches last weekend. At the time of the draft, word on the street was that the Pies were close to selecting Naughton but chose Stephenson. Both are outstanding players and look like great selections for each club. However, given our dearth of emerging bigs any buyer regrets Nick's fans??

[Harrysz]

No regrets.

[BazBoy]

Wouldn’t swap our boy not now not ever

[AnthonyC]

Stephenson was clearly the best first year player in the comp last year. As far as I'm concerned he is tracking even better this year. Every game he played last year put a smile on my face thinking about how great he could be.

He was a really big part of our journey to September last year, given his 'experience' to play in finals and perform better than many have in the past with YEARS more experience and then kick 2 goals in a GF...

What was the question?

[Presti35]

Both good players. No regrets at all. Stevo is a gem.

I'd be asking other clubs if they're happy with their picks; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_AFL_draft#2017_national_draft

[Invigoration]

We lacked pace and class in the front half, JS fills that hole perfectly. Meanwhile Mihochek is kicking as many goals a game as Naughton is, so *shrugs*

[BazBoy]

The game against Port when JS was played where his best work is done—deep forward reminded us of his value

Bucks changed the fwd structure for that game and interesting JDG had less impact (tho still was challenging to their defence) JS filled the deep fwd roll with four snags

We came out all guns blazing and built a score they had to whittle away so his three goals was vital

[Pies2016]

Nothing wrong with a good draft comparison thread but the reality is that it’s way to early to make the call.
It was Naughtons break out game and he has now given a glimpse of what he’s capable of. Any 20 year old KPF who can tear it up in a one man forward line in an ordinary team, is a great effort. The test will be just how often he does it.
There may also be a go home factor with Naughton, so the Dogs will likely have issues come negotiation time that we won’t have with Stephenson.

FWIW, these two talents are the reason why clubs need to be very careful about trading away two first rounders for an established mature age player. You only have to get one of those picks right and you can have your next marketing marquee identity locked away and playing good footy for the next 10 / 12 years

[BazBoy]

What will help Stevo is return of Elliot to add to JDG as he will most likely get a lesser defender while their best are trying to handle Elliot and JDG

That’s I guess highlights our multi pronged attack

[Bucks5]

The AFL picked Naughton over Stephenson for the Round 7 team of the week.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-07/team-of-the-week-r7-who-makes-the-cut

[BazBoy]

Tell,s you what AFL know—-Richard Cranium Centre of Missinformation

[brett71]

[ronrat]

I doubt the 2 were competing for the same spot. Naughton had to be in. No question. More like Gary Ablett took the spot Stevo could have got.

[Pies4shaw]

And Gawn got Brodie’s spot this week - but there is no way I’d swap Grundy for Gawn and Melbourne’s next best 3 midfielders.

[K]

With enough foresight, we could have got them both.