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Every year there are several mature-age players drafted through the state leagues who offer AFL clubs immediate value and performance.Last year, Marcus Adams (pick 35), Mitch Brown (pick 54), Sam Collins (pick 55), Rupert Wills (pick 63), Sam Menegola (pick 66), Michael Hartley (pick 68), Josh Wagner (rookie draft pick 6), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (rookie draft pick 22), Josh Smith (rookie draft pick 25), Ryan Davis (rookie draft pick 38) and Tom Ruggles (rookie draft pick 44) proved valuable at AFL level. They all showed they had the capacity to play a role and potentially remain long-term players at AFL level.Recruiting state league players in the latter portion of the draft and during the rookie draft consistently represents strong draft day value for clubs. It is an effective way -- if list holes during trade week and free agency have not been adequately addressed -- for clubs to find players who can immediately step into an AFL team and fill that hole.Historically the state leagues prove a fertile recruiting ground for AFL clubs, with general defenders and midfielders most commonly found. Some key defenders and ruckmen can be identified through the state leagues, though the numbers vary from year to year. By contrast key forwards and general forwards are relatively much less frequently identified through the state leagues, with fewer forwards at these levels displaying AFL-standard talent.So, which state league prospects could be drafted this year?The most likely state league player to be selected in this years AFL draft is Coburg rebounding defender Luke Ryan, who may feature as early as the second or third round. Ryan, 20, a 185cm, 82kg rebounding defender has from his 10 games this season made a significant impression and demonstrated clear AFL potential. His intercept marking, composure with ball in hand and kicking from the back half has been a highlight.In the WAFL, making a significant impression and also looming as a likely national draft selection has been Subiacos Liam Ryan. He is a 186cm, 76kg, high flying 20-year-old forward. Ryan has kicked an impressive 40 goals from his 16 WAFL League games while taking several highlight reel-worthy marks throughout the season.Relatively, the greatest scarcity in the state leagues are key forwards. The better key forwards typically have been identified and drafted straight out of the under-18 competitions nationally. This years most advanced plug and play key forward is South Adelaides 27-year-old star goal kicker Brett Eddy. Eddy, 193cm and 92kg, kicked 74 goals from 20 games this season in the SANFL. While he is strong overhead and clean at ground level, Eddy stands out because of his rare ability (regardless of how tightly his direct opponent plays him) to find a way to get goal side of his opponents to kick goals. Eddy has the capacity to offer immediate depth and possibly, depending on the quality of the teams other key forwards, push for a position inside a clubs best 22.Also in the WAFL, Claremont midfielder Jye Bolton has enjoyed a breakout year through the midfield. Last year, Bolton played only 10 games for Werribee in the VFL but with Werribee shifting from a partial alignment with North Melbourne to a full alignment this year, Bolton made the shift to Claremont for greater opportunities. The move has paid off handsomely for Bolton, who won the 2016 Sandover Medal as the competitions best and fairest player. Bolton, a 24-year-old who was rookie listed to Collingwood for one season, is a 183cm, 80kg midfielder who is ready to play at AFL level. He has the capacity to play either as an inside or outside midfielder for a team and has the game to slot into a side seamlessly.Performing strongly and continuing his development this year as a key defender, Tyler Keitel, a 20-year-old, 194cm, 91kg key defender, has taken strong strides forward in his second season playing WAFL League football for West Perth. He has impressed this season intercepting down back and has shown the versatility as required to play in other positions.Firmly in the mix to be selected in the national draft is developing North Ballarat ruckman Rowan Marshall. The 203cm big man, who will turn 21 in November, has shown significant growth in the VFL this season and has shown ability both through the ruck and up forward. His tackling this season has proven particularly impressive along with his mobility and involvement around the ground.Another young ruckman who is also in the mix to be selected is 21-year-old, 204cm, 104kg Claremont ruckman Darcy Cameron. Cameron has taken another step in the right direction this year and has not only proven effective as a tap ruckman but also as a forward with 36 goals and 106 marks from his 19 WAFL League games. He has had another impressive season and may, as a relieving ruckman or No. 1 ruckman, be a developable player.The list of ready-to-go midfielders and general defenders is long.Of the midfielders in the NEAFL this year who are ripe for the picking, Blake Grewar, Jordan Harper, ex-Sun Andrew Boston, James Ives and Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds are among the better performers and all fit into the much desired 20-25 year-old age group where they all are mature enough to contribute now but still young enough to remain with a club medium to long term.From the SANFL, ex-Crow rookie James Battersby, Kaine Stevens, Christopher Jansen and ex-Blue Nicholas Holman are among the more impressive South Australian midfielders. Zane Kirkwood will turn 26 before the start of next season but has been one of the most impactful midfielders in the SANFL in recent seasons and may be worth a look.From the VFL, Sam McLachlan, Michael Gibbons, Tom Atkins and Matt Hanson loom are among the more promising, young VFL-listed midfielders. Robbie Fox as an outside type who can also play back is another name that has been discussed among AFL recruiters. The 187cm, 87kg, 23-year-old is a possible late draft choice.Down back in the NEAFL, ex-Gold Coast rebounding defender Jackson Allen is a damaging player with a long, strong kick and good acceleration. Matthew Sully in a key defence post could also be suitable for AFL play. He a 196cm, 95kg key defender who holds his own in the one-on-one contests and shuts down his direct opponent each week.Down back in the VFL as key defenders who may be third talls at AFL level, Tom Stewart and Brody Mihocek have both had strong seasons and developed well. Collingwoods Jordan Kelly, who was previously AFL-listed by Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs, has made meaningful inroads this year and been a reliable two-way player this season. Also on Collingwoods VFL list and impressing down back has been classy ball user Ryan Pendlebury, who is the younger brother of Scott. Breaking out as a key defender, Declan Keilty has also attracted some AFL interest and is in the mix for selection.In the WAFL, ex-West Coast Eagle Blayne Wilson has again elevated his standard of performance with 163 marks and 449 disposals from his 23 games down back this season. Playing an exciting style brand of footy down back has been Marlion Pickett, who as a linebreaker makes things happen with ball in hand. He is also able to play forward and have an impact. Both Wilson and Pickett will turn 25 before the start of the 2017 season and could each fill a need for a team if selected.As forwards, from the SANFL talented goal sneak Willie Rioli has made meaningful inroads this year and is on the radar of some clubs after losing significant weight and getting in much better shape. Joshua Scott, who was an impressive goal kicker in the TAC Cup a few years ago, has had a strong season. Ex-Carlton rookie Luke Reynolds also has improved significantly this season and has developed into an effective leadup forward who finished the SANFL season with 43 goals, one more than Joshua Scott.In the VFL, small forward Hisham Kerbatieh after being overlooked in last years AFL draft has again put up his hand for selection. Ex-Saint Ahmed Saad led the VFL goalkicking this year and also could fill a role for a team in a front half.Of the other ruckmen, Caseys 22-year-old, 203cm, 100kg Oscar McInerney big man is the third ruckman in the mix and is another genuine draft chance. He moves well and displays impressive cleanness below his knees for someone of his height.While Eddy is the clear standout of the state league key forwards, if a club is looking for someone a few years younger than Eddy, ex-Port Adelaide key forward Mason Shaw looks like the most likely alternative. The 197cm, 94kg Shaw, who will turn 23 before the start of the 2017 season, kicked 51 goals and took 128 marks from his 23 games which is a solid return.Stitched Basketball Jerseys Throwback . Traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey drew the other three spots to complete the 24-team field for this summers tournament in Spain, basketball governing body FIBA announced Saturday at its meeting in Barcelona. Stitched Basketball Jerseys Throwback . On Saturday night, the normally free throw-challenged centre did just that. Howard scored 18 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including 13 of 19 free throws in a 2 1/2-minute stretch, and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 122-111. http://www.cheapbasketballthrowback.com/ . That left plenty of energy for pitching books and swatting away free agency questions. Anthony had 24 points and nine rebounds, and the Knicks avenged an embarrassing home loss with a rout of their own, beating the Boston Celtics 114-88 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory. Cheap Basketball Jerseys Throwback China . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. Clearance Basketball Jerseys Throwback . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected.A wild first weekend of college football has left us with a Power Rankings full of upset victors, pleasant surprises and a completely revamped top 10. ?Power Rankings voters: Edward Aschoff, Butch Davis, Heather Dinich, Brad Edwards, Chris Fallica, Rod Gilmore, Danny Kanell, Chris Low, Ivan Maisel, Ryan McGee, Brett McMurphy, Adam Rittenberg, Mark Schlabach1. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 1 Week 1 result: Defeated USC 52-6Through all the chaos in this world, theres one constant: the Crimson Tides suffocating defense. Once freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts settled in, Alabama barreled toward a 52-6 destruction of USC that was Kickoff Weeks most impressive -- and intimidating -- performance.2. Florida State Seminoles (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 4 Week 1 result: Defeated Ole Miss 45-34The Seminoles trailed 28-6 late in the first half against Ole Miss before rallying for the 45-34 victory. Theyll get a tune-up against FCS Charleston Southern before another marquee matchup at Louisville in Week 3.3. Clemson Tigers (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: ?2 Week 1 result: Defeated Auburn 19-13Welcome back, Mike Williams. The Tigers star receiver returned from last seasons neck injury with nine catches for 174 yards vs. Auburn. Clemson needed all of it, too, in escaping The Plains with a closer-than-expected 19-13 victory.4.?Ohio State Buckeyes?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking: ?6 Week 1 result:?Defeated Bowling Green 77-10How were the Buckeyes going to deal with all that youth and inexperience? How about a 77-10 win over Bowling Green that included a school record for total offense (776 yards)? Yeah, talent helps. Theyre going to be just fine.5.?Houston Cougars?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking:?12 Week 1 result:?Defeated Oklahoma 33-23Its official: Houston belongs in the College Football Playoff discussion as a serious contender, not just a novelty, after taking down Oklahoma 33-23. They likely wont play a ranked team again until Louisville visits on Nov. 17.6.?Michigan Wolverines?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking:?8 Week 1 result:?Defeated Hawaii 63-3Amid the glitz and the glamour -- Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter were in the Big House for the opener -- the Wolverines went to work in dismantling Hawaii 63-3. Quarterback Wilton Speight and freshman running back Chris Evans form a promising new backfield.7.?Stanford Cardinal?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking:?7 Week 1 result:?Defeated Kansas State 26-13Christian McCaffrey: still amazing. He came to the rescue with a 41-yard touchdown run to put away Kansas State in a 26-13 win. The Wildcats had to feel good about limiting him to only 210 total yards.8.?Washington Huskies?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking:?14 Week 1 result:?Defeated Rutgers 48-13Were the heavily hyped Huskies all bark or did they actually have bite? It sure looked like the latter in a surprisingly easy 48-13 opening win over Rutgers. Washington led 34-3 at halftime.9.?Georgia Bulldogs?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking:?18 Week 1 result:?Defeated North Carolina 33-24A new coach (Kirby Smart), a new quarterback (former celebrated recruit Jacob Eason) and the return of a superstar (running back Nick Chubb) made for a prosperous night against North Carolina. After some shaky performances by Tennessee and Florida, Georgia might be the new favorite in the SEC East.10. Wisconsin Badgers?(1-0)Trending:?Preseason ranking: NR Week 1 result:?Defeated LSU 16-14One of the Big Tens most consistent programs, the Badgers werent ranked in the preseason in large part because of their daunting schedule. Well, they passed the first step of that gantlet by upsetting LSU 16-14 behind a stellar defensive effort at Lambeau Field.11. Texas Longhorns (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking:?NR Week 1 result: Defeated Notre Dame 50-47 (2OT)A crowd-surfing Charlie Strong is always a delightful sight. Welcome back to the Power Rankings, Longhorns. The new offense led by Shane Buechele (with a few cameos by Tyrone Swoopes) could keep you here a while.12. Louisville Cardinals (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 19 Week 1 result: Defeated Charlotte 70-14Lamar Jackson put his name in the super-early Heisman Trophy conversation by accounting for eight touchdowns in a single half during a 70-14 romp over FBS newbie Charlotte. The Cardinals go to Syracuse this week before hosting Florida State in Week 3.13. Michigan State Spartans (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 13 Week 1 result: Defeated Furman 28-13Mark Dantonios teams often start a bit slow, so maybe we shouldnt read ttoo much into a sloppy 28-13 victory over Furman.dddddddddddd. New starting QB Tyler OConnor (13-for-18 for 190 yards and three TDs) was solid enough. After a bye, the Spartans go to Notre Dame.14. Ole Miss Rebels (0-1)Trending:Preseason ranking: ?11 Week 1 result: Lost to No. 3 Florida State 45-34The big first half showed the Rebels potential, and Chad Kelly is clearly one of the best quarterbacks in the country. But the second-half collapse raised major questions about the defense.15. Texas A&M Aggies (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking:?NR Week 1 result: Defeated UCLA 31-24The Aggies coughed up a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter against UCLA but managed to win in overtime. The jury is still out on a team that has fooled us in the opening week before, but the defense vs. Josh Rosen for three and a half quarters portends good things.16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1)Trending:Preseason ranking: 10 Week 1 result: Lost to Texas 50-47 (2OT)Would the Irish have beaten Texas had they stuck with DeShone Kizer the entire game? He was clearly the superior option compared to Malik Zaire, but as of Tuesday morning, Brian Kelly hadnt yet committed to dropping the two-quarterback system.17.?Oklahoma Sooners?(0-1)Trending:?Preseason ranking: ?3 Week 1 result:?Lost to Houston 33-23All is not lost for the Sooners, who after all made the playoff last year despite losing to a mediocre Texas club. Still, the margin for error has all but vanished now, and a Week 3 visit looms from a team that plays like Houston with arguably more talent: Ohio State.18. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking:?23 Week 1 result: Defeated Miami (Ohio) 45-21The Hawkeyes picked up pretty much where they left off in the 2015 regular season (and not, thankfully for them, the postseason) with a 45-21 win over Miami (Ohio). Running backs Akrum Wadley and LeShun Daniels Jr. combined for more than 200 rushing yards.19. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 9 Week 1 result: Defeated Appalachian State 20-13Was the sweat-it-out, overtime victory over Appalachian State an opening-week blip or a sign of bigger problems? Well find out more this week when the Volunteers play Virginia Tech in the Battle at Bristol.20. TCU Horned Frogs (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 15 Week 1 result: Defeated South Dakota State 59-41It was pretty weird to see a Gary Patterson team serve up 41 points to South Dakota State and be in a tight game well into the fourth quarter. More encouraging: the debut of Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill at quarterback (439 passing yards and five total TDs).21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking:?21 Week 1 result: Defeated Southeastern Louisiana 61-7Stanford transfer Barry Sanders Jr. scored his first touchdown for his fathers alma mater as the Cowboys rolled past Southeast Louisiana 61-7. The game was such a lopsided affair that Mike Gundy began pulling his starters in the second quarter.22. LSU Tigers (0-1)Trending:Preseason ranking: 5 Week 1 result: Lost to Wisconsin 16-14The Tigers managed only 131 passing yards and one offensive score in a 16-14 loss to Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, continuing a downward offensive trend. If Les Miles cant fix that, he may not be able to save the season -- or his job.23. Baylor Bears (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking:?22 Week 1 result: Defeated Northwestern State 55-7No program was happier to turn the discussion back to actual football than the Bears. There isnt a whole lot to say about a 55-7 blowout of lowly Northwestern State other than how quarterback Seth Russell put it: It felt like Baylor.24. UCLA Bruins (0-1)Trending:Preseason ranking: 17 Week 1 result: Lost to Texas A&M 31-24Thumbs up for the raucous fourth-quarter comeback against Texas A&M, when the Bruins sent the game to overtime despite trailing by 15 points with under five minutes left. Thumbs down for the listless performance over three-plus quarters that got them to that point.25. Oregon Ducks (1-0)Trending:Preseason ranking: 20 Week 1 result: Defeated UC Davis 53-28Concerns about the Ducks defense didnt evaporate in a 53-28 victory over UC Davis, but new quarterback Dakota Prukop had an efficient day (21-for-30, 271 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions). Oregon hosts Virginia next.Others receiving votes: North Carolina, Boise State, Florida, Miami, San Diego State, Western Michigan, Colorado, Appalachian State? ' ' '