The order of the first six appears to be David Swallow (Gold Coast), Harley Bennell (Gold Coast), Sam Day (Gold Coast), Andrew Gaff (West Coast), Dyson Heppell (Brisbane Lions) and Jared Polec (Richmond). The question is whether Gold Coast will plump for Gorringe at No.7 or go for a midfielder.
The Suns have an abundance of young ruckmen, with Queensland teenage zone selections Zac Smith, Charlie Dixon and Rory Thompson all expected to become fine AFL players.
Tom Nicholls is a 17-year-old priority pick who’s tipped for big things, while former Collingwood veteran Josh Fraser has been drafted to provide guidance.
If the Suns decide they have enough ruckmen, they are likely to go for Murray Bushrangers dasher Shaun Atley or Northern Knights bulldozer Josh Caddy. Both have oodles of determination and the advantage of being able to play inside and outside.
Then there is the quandary of just what Essendon would do if Gorringe got through to them at No.8. The Bombers have reasonable ruck stocks with David Hille, Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers, but Hille is often injured, Ryder appears more suited to an Adam Goodes role, and Bellchambers is coming along slowly.
Gorringe played good footy for the Norwood seniors in 2010 and would likely force his way into the Essendon team sooner rather later.
What the Bombers unequivocally need, however, are fast midfielders. Atley and Caddy both tested well for speed at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, with Caddy’s pace something of a surprise.
If Gorringe does get through to No.9, it’s likely the Suns would snap him up. Ruckmen with his ability to find teammates through intelligent tapwork are rare. Gorringe is also capable of playing forward.
In terms of young ruckmen, he’s the full package.
Follow our complete coverage of the 2010 NAB AFL Draft on November 18. Join the AFL draft conversation on Twitter: use #AFLdraft in your tweets.
