Josh Smillie (with ball) and Finn O'Sullivan (behind) compete against each other in round one this year, the pair look to be the best two players in the 2024 AFL draft with both in contention for the coveted No.1 pick.
(Photo: Blair Burns)
The 2024 draft is nearing closer and the race for pick number one is heating up with Eastern Ranges’ midfielder Josh Smillie leading the top three following a dominant season.
At this point in time, the only two players that I could see going pick number one are Smillie and Finn O’Sullivan with both being a class above the rest of the prospects in my opinion.
While there is every chance that O’Sullivan could jump into the box seat for number one as the draft nears closer, ‘Smil’ has proven himself and got the runs on the board this season.
Finn O’Sullivan (pick two) is ranked behind Smillie for me largely because injury hasn’t given him ample opportunity to prove himself this season. While Levi Ashcroft (pick three) narrowly edges out prolific ball winner, Jagga Smith for the third pick of the draft.
However, these two players are not dissimilar, they are two of the most natural ball-winners in the draft crop and both bring a great work rate and get leather poisoning every week. Despite some eye-watering numbers from Smith including his recent 50-disposal game against the Western Jets which amassed 157 ranking points, he hasn’t hit the scoreboard the way Ashcroft has. Smith has kicked one goal in his seven matches while Ashcroft has kicked four goals in his three games.
While Smillie is the front runner for the first pick, there is no doubt that the race for No.1 will be much closer than last year as Harley Reid soared miles ahead of the rest of his draft pool. The first three ranked players are all midfielders in what is shaping up to be quite a midfield-heavy draft.
Smillie (Eastern Ranges) is a point of difference with his huge frame and athleticism setting him apart from the others, O’Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers) is incredibly talented with an impressive footy IQ, while Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons) epitomises consistency, professionalism, and excellence.
Levi Ashcroft listens to the coaches address in the last Coates Talent League game he played this season (back in Round 3 vs Eastern Ranges).
(Photo: Blair Burns)
Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers) would be projected four if I was to continue my rankings and is the best ball winner in the competition with incredibly consistent numbers this season, while Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons) is a defender and will likely also be early first round. He has been a bit of a bolter as the season has progressed earning recognition for a best on ground performance against Coburg for the AFL Academy.
There is no lack of leadership among these top picks with Smillie and Ashcroft captaining their respective sides, while O’Sullivan is Oakleigh Chargers’ vice-captain.
Other players in contention for top 10 include midfielders Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges), Sam Lalor (GWV Rebels), Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons), Leo Lombard (Suns Academy) Sid Draper (South Adelaide), Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons), Sam Marshall (Lions Academy) and Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays).
Some of the best forwards that I expect to be called out in the first round include Jobe Shanahan (Bendigo Pioneers), Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers), Joe Berry (Murry Bushrangers), Jonty Faull (Rebels) and Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons).
Defenders to look out for include Harry O’Farrell (Calder Cannons), Bo Allan (Peel Thunder) and Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers).
The profiles below will help you get to know the three future stars of the AFL and the most highly-touted draft prospects of 2024. I have ranked the players as I think I would draft them right now.
All three will be in action this weekend at the U18 Championships Grand Final with Smillie and Ashcroft to represent Vic Metro, and O'Sullivan to represent Vic Country. All eyes lead to Marvel Stadium for this Sunday clash. Action kicks off from 10.35am.
1. Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)
Midfielder – 194cm – 18 years old
Josh Smillie is the dream midfielder, 194 centimetres, a contested beast, he has great ball use, strength and athleticism, as well as huge scoreboard impact. His sheer size and ready-made build give him a significant point of difference over the other midfielders in contention for the 2024 draft. A stoppage machine and major offensive threat, there is not much that the youngster doesn’t have in his skillset. He draws comparisons to some of the best midfielders in the competition, he has the physicality and size of Patrick Cripps and the polish and scoring power of Marcus Bontempelli. He makes it hard for opponents to bring him to ground and doesn’t often get caught holding the ball, finding ways to dispose of it. His upside is immeasurable, and the likelihood is that he will end up at Richmond or North Melbourne as the ladder sits currently.
Smillie has clearly been a standout this season for Eastern Ranges, the skipper came into the season as one of, if not the top prospect but has since made this clear to the competition and recruiters. He has played eight games with a strong average of 26.7 disposals per game. The exciting prospect has kicked 12 goals with his offensive dominance continuing to boost his draft stocks significantly and push him into the box seat for first pick. Smillie was also in some great touch during the AFL Academy matches as their captain and has had an impressive Under-18 Championships with Vic Metro so far.
Top Three Performances CTL - Josh Smillie
1. Round 6 vs Brisbane Lions – 34 disposals, 3 goals, 5 marks, 5 tackles and 10 inside-50s. – 144 Ranking Points
2. Round 9 vs Bendigo Pioneers – 34 disposals, 2 goals, 5 marks, 5 tackles and 7 inside-50s. – 131 Ranking Points
3. Round 7 vs Western Jets – 33 disposals, 2 goals, 4 marks and 13 inside-50s. – 103 Ranking Points
2. Finn O’Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Country)
Midfielder – 182cm – 18 years old
Finn O’Sullivan or ‘FOS’ as he is known by his teammates is the full package and I believe he is the most talented 2024 draft prospect. He has an incredible football IQ, the ability to find and win the football with ease, both on the inside and outside. He is really good in the air with a great leap and plays much taller than he is, he is clean under pressure and finds ample space and time in heavy traffic. The fact that FOS has been injured all year and is still the projected number two pick speaks volumes about the talent he possesses.
The Koroit export has talent and the high draft pick potential in his bloodlines being cousins with Carlton star, Sam Walsh who went pick number one in the 2018 draft. FOS is a smooth mover and glides across the ground, he’s incredibly unselfish, brings his teammates into the game and has great vision and poise. He has a cool, calm and collected game style, and there is no doubt he has something special that no other draft prospect has. He is also good on both sides of the body.
O’Sullivan has played just one Coates Talent League match this season which was Round 1 against Eastern Ranges. He had 15 disposals, four tackles and five inside 50’s but didn’t have his usual impact due to breaking his finger and spending a bit of time on the bench. He is the team’s vice-captain and made a strong return to represent Vic Country in the U18 champs last weekend, collecting 16 disposals, three tackles, two clearances and a couple of goal assists.
Top Three Performances CTL - Finn O'Sullivan
1. Round 1 vs Eastern Ranges – 15 disposals, 4 tackles and 5 inside 50s – 55 Ranking Points
* hasn’t played any other CTL games this season due to injury.
3. Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)
Midfielder – 179cm – 17 years old
Levi Ashcroft is consistency at its finest and is the ultimate professional. Ashcroft is a hard worker and incredibly reliable, he is one of the fittest players in the Coates Talent League. Brother of Brisbane Lions’ Will Ashcroft, there is no doubt that the elite midfielder will end up at the Lions and be a great player at the top level. Ashcroft sets the tone for his Sandringham Dragons team and has the ability to hit the scoreboard in a big way which is why he is projected higher than Jagga Smith. He has clean hands in the stoppage, a knack for finding the ball and like O’Sullivan can, he will win the ball on the inside and outside. He moves quickly and has exceptionally fast hands which helps him to clear the ball from contests, while his run allows him to get the ball back a lot of the time. His dominance as a bottom-ager at last year’s U18 Championships put him on radars everywhere as an early potential number one pick in 2024.
Ashcroft has made light work of the Coates Talent League for a couple of seasons now; he has been part of both of the Dragons' consecutive premierships and will be chasing the three-peat this year. He averages 27.3 disposals, 6.3 inside 50s, 2.3 tackles and more than a goal per game – across his three matches. His performances with the AFL Academy have been better than any other player as he was named best on ground against Footscray Bulldogs. His form during the U18 Championships have also reaffirmed his dominance as he has put up numbers of 24 disposals and two goals (vs Allies), 28 disposals (vs Western Australia) and 34 disposals and a goal (vs South Australia).
Top Three Performances CTL - Levi Ashcroft
1. Round 3 vs Eastern Ranges – 31 disposals, 1 goal, 4 tackles, 6 marks - 119 Ranking Points
2. Round 2 vs Oakleigh Chargers – 30 disposals, 1 goal, 5 marks, 10 inside 50s – 108 Ranking Points
3. Round 1 vs Calder Cannons – 21 disposals, 2 goals, 3 marks – 72 Ranking Points
All head shots are from AFL Instagram
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